What is the difference between Authentication and Authorization ??

What is Authentication?

Authentication is the process of verifying who someone is. It answers the fundamental question: "Are you who you claim to be?"

When you log into a website or an application, authentication mechanisms work to confirm your identity. Common methods include:

1. Passwords: The most traditional form of authentication, where you enter a secret code known only to you.

2. Biometric Verification: Such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or voice recognition.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Combines two or more verification methods, such as a password and a one-time code sent to your phone.

So Authentication is basically an identification process. Do I know who you are?

What is Authorization?

Authorization comes after authentication and determines what resources or actions you are permitted to access. It answers the question: "What are you allowed to do?"

For example, after logging into an online banking portal, you may be authorized to view your account balance, transfer money, or pay bills. However, you wouldn't be authorized to access the accounts of other users.

Key points about authorization include:

1. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Access permissions are granted based on user roles (e.g., admin, editor, viewer).

2. Permission Levels: Users may have specific permissions that dictate what actions they can perform within a system.

3. Granularity: Authorization can be fine-tuned to allow or restrict access to specific data, features, or tools.

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