Authentication

It is distinct from , which answers the question: "Are you allowed to do this?" (Authentication verifies identity; Authorization verifies permissions).

(what serious systems do):

Authentication is generally categorized into three main "factors." The more factors used, the more secure the authentication process is considered to be. authentication

In the digital realm, identity is the most valuable—and most vulnerable—asset. Before a system can decide what you are allowed to do (authorization), it must first establish who you are. This foundational process is : the verification of a claimed identity. It is distinct from , which answers the