Authentication and Authorization
Nimisha Singh
In this video, we'll delve into the vital mechanisms of Authentication and AuthorizationLets dive into the Key Differences between authentication and authorization-Authentication:This verifies the identity of a user or system trying to access resources. It answers the question, Who are you? through methods like passwords, biometrics, or security tokens.-Authorization: This determines what actions an authenticated user or system is allowed to perform. It answers the question, What are you allowed to do? by granting or denying access to specific resources or functionalities based on predefined rules.Importance of Authentication and Authorization:-Data Security: Authentication ensures that only authorized users or systems can access sensitive information or perform actions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.-Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have regulations mandating strict access control measures to protect sensitive data, making authentication and authorization crucial for compliance.-User Accountability: By uniquely identifying users and tracking their actions, authentication and authorization help maintain accountability for activities within a system, deterring malicious behaviour.Some Methods of Authentication arePasswords, Biometrics, Multi-factor AuthenticationSome Authorization Mechanisms are:-Role-Based Access Control, Attribute-Based Access Control, Access Control ListsNow let's look into an example of high-security vault in a bank.Authentication is like the process of verifying the identity of a person trying to access the vault. Let's say the vault requires a keycard and a fingerprint scan to open. When a bank employee approaches the vault door, they swipe their keycard, verifying their identity. Then, they place their finger on a biometric scanner, confirming they're the authorized user associated with the keycard. Only after both steps are completed does the vault door unlock, granting access to the employee.Authorization determines what the authenticated user can do once inside the vault. Different sections of the vault contain various valuables. Each section has its permissions based on the employee's role. For instance, a teller may access only the cash reserves, while a manager may access all sections. The security system checks the employee's role upon entry and grants access only to authorized sections. If they try accessing a restricted area, an alarm will sound, preventing unauthorized access.I hope I explained the topic well. Thank you