Authentication vs. Authorization: What’s the Difference?

Although they are often conflated with each other, Authentication and Authorization, represent two fundamentally different aspects of security that work together in order to protect sensitive information. In this blog, we will go over some of the key differences between the two.

The Foundation: What Is Authentication?

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or entity attempting to gain access to a system or resource. It answers the fundamental question, “Who are you?” to ensure that the individual or device claiming access is, indeed, who they say they are. This identity verification process serves as the initial gatekeeper, protecting against unauthorized entry and mitigating threats like unlicensed access.