Authentication vs Authorization

Introduction

In the realm of Information Security, understanding the distinction between Authentication and Authorization is crucial. Both are fundamental components in securing applications and data.

Definitions

• Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. It confirms whether the entity is who it claims to be.
• Authorization: The process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do. It grants or denies access to resources based on permissions.

Processes

Authentication Process

1. User submits credentials (username and password).
2. The system checks the credentials against a database.
3. If the credentials match, the user is authenticated and a session token is created.

Authorization Process

1. The system checks the user's session token.
2. Permissions associated with the user are retrieved.
3. Access to requested resources is granted or denied based on permissions.

Flowchart of Authentication vs Authorization

graph TD;
    A[User Login] --> B{Is User Authenticated?};
    B -- Yes --> C[Check Permissions];
    B -- No --> D[Access Denied];
    C --> E{Is User Authorized?};
    E -- Yes --> F[Access Granted];
    E -- No --> D;
            

Best Practices

• Implement strong password policies and encourage password managers.
• Utilize OAuth and OpenID Connect for secure authentication.
• Regularly review and update user permissions.
• Employ logging and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts.

FAQ