What is the primary difference between "authentication" and "authorization"?

The primary difference lies in their definitions and roles within the cybersecurity framework. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system, ensuring that they are who they claim to be. This usually involves the use of credentials like passwords, tokens, or authentication applications.

Authorization, on the other hand, occurs after authentication and is responsible for determining what resources an authenticated entity is allowed to access and what actions they are permitted to perform. This can involve permissions linked to user roles or specific access rights related to data or systems within an organization.

Together, authentication and authorization are critical components of access control, but they serve distinct purposes. Understanding this difference is key to maintaining a secure cyber environment, where identifying trusted users and managing their access to sensitive information or systems is paramount.