by Too many engineers assume that Authentication and Authorization are the same.
Nah. They’re fundamentally different concepts.
Authentication is:
- Who are you?
- Validating identity (e.g., username & password, biometrics).
- Think logging in to Gmail or proving your identity to a system.
Authorization is:
- What are you allowed to do?
- Granting permissions based on roles, policies, or attributes.
- Think accessing a specific file in Google Drive or performing admin tasks.
The key difference?
Authentication establishes identity. Authorization defines access.
Example:
- You log in to your company VPN using 2FA (Authentication).
- You can view project files, but not access payroll systems (Authorization).
Assuming they’re the same leads to security loopholes. Secure systems need both working in harmony.
Be open-minded about the nuances of security – that’s how learning sticks.
P.S. Stop saying “Auth” when you mean Authentication or Authorization. Be specific. 😉
