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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Foundational

Authentication

Verifying that a user, device, or process is who or what it claims to be.

Definition

Authentication follows identification and validates the claimed identity with one or more factors, such as a password, token, certificate, or biometric. Strong authentication combines factors from different categories. It must occur before authorization decisions are made.

Example

A user enters a password and approves a push notification on their phone to sign in.

Exam tip

Authentication proves identity; authorization decides what that identity may do.

Don't confuse it with

Related terms