#analogy #computing #security Created at 090323 # [Anonymous feedback](https://www.admonymous.co/louis030195) # [[Epistemic status]] #shower-thought Last modified date: 090323 Commit: 0 # Related - [[Computing/Intelligence/Identification]] - [[Philosophy/Epistemology/Information/Information]] - [[Philosophy/Epistemology/Authority based identity]] - [[Computing/Ideas/Multimodal AI assisted knowledge management]] - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Availability cascade]] # TODO > [!TODO] TODO # Authentication vs Authorization Authentication and authorization are two fundamental concepts in the realm of security. They are often confused with each other, but they are distinct concepts. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or system, whereas authorization determines what the user or system can access. Authentication is the process of verifying identity using credentials, such as a username and password, biometric data, or a security token. It ensures that a user is who they claim to be. Authorization, on the other hand, checks whether the authenticated user or system has been granted access to a specific resource or action, such as reading, writing, or deleting data. Both authentication and authorization are essential for maintaining the security of a system, and they work together to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information or resources An analogy to explain the difference between authentication and authorization is a nightclub. Authentication is like checking a person's ID at the door to ensure they are of legal drinking age and to verify their identity. Authorization, on the other hand, would be like granting certain guests access to VIP areas or exclusive events within the club based on their level of authorization, such as being a member or VIP guest. Just because someone has been authenticated and allowed into the club does not mean they have access to all areas or activities within the club. It is up to the club's authorization system to determine what areas and activities the guest can access. Similarly, authentication ensures the identity of a user or system, while authorization determines what resources or actions they can access.