Authentication Vs. Authorization in Cybersecurity

Authentication and authorization are strong access security processes used in every IAM framework. Whether implemented together or separately, they act as the system’s first line of defense. Often used interchangeably, they complete different objectives.

according to 2023 Official Cybercrime Report. Without a robust IAM system, there is always a risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and even legal penalties. Therefore, it’s essential to have robust tools to combat such emerging threats.

What is Authorization

To put it very simply, ‘Authorization is the process of giving someone the ability to access a resource’.

In the reference pf enterprise security, authorization (AuthN) rules are part of an IT discipline. They work on the security platform called Identity and Access Management (IAM). So, access management is the overarching activity of authorization.

In IAM, authorization and authentication control the access to system resources. It helps to set client privileges.

What is Authentication

AuthN is used to confirm a user’s identity. Once the identity is confirmed, users are then given relevant AuthN for access to specific resources based on their job roles.

Entering credentials at a login prompt is the most common authentication method. However, organizations may enforce additional AuthN methods to strengthen security, like multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Once the user has been authenticated, they will be AuthN via identity and access management systems like role-based access controls (RBAC). This means, they will be granted access to the data as per their role at an organization.

Within IAM, authentication (AuthN) and authorization (AuthN) is used to help system managers set user privileges and access controls. Consequently, they are deployed to manage accounts for every user from the beginning to the end of their presence in a system.

Also read: Tightening the Security Net: Strategies to Counter Multifactor Authentication Vulnerabilities

Authorization Vs. Authentication

1. Function

While AuthN is relatively straightforward, it is still a crucial security process that involves validating a user’s claimed identity, typically through the use of credentials such as passwords, biometric data, or security tokens. Once the user’s identity has been confirmed, AuthN comes into work.

AuthZ and its management is far more challenging. AuthZ consist of complex rules and permissions that must be configured as per user account. It determines a user’s access as per their role.

Thus, AuthN may be given for relevant systems, apps, file shares, and printers among others. For example, an accounting department employee will be assigned applicable authorizations to work with payroll software not HRM software.

2. Point of Occurrence

To begin the authentication process, users must verify their identity before they can be given access. By implementing authentication, firms can reduce the risk of threats and guard their sensitive information and assets.

On the other hand, AuthZ happens throughout the user’s presence in a firm. It can be modified if a user’s profile changes later on. As changes, in job profile can lead to increasing or decreasing access to resources.

3. Protocols Used

The OpenID Connect (OIDC) protocol is an AuthN protocol generally in charge of the user AuthN process. It involves entering a username and password, providing a fingerprint, or using a security token to prove identity. OIDC can give one login for multiple sites.

While OIDC is about user authentication, OAuth 2.0 is about resource access and sharing.

The OAuth 2.0 protocol governs the overall AuthN process. OAuth is also used for single sign-on (SSO) for accessing all cloud applications, eliminating the need to set up permissions separately in each application. OAuth 2.0 gives consented access and limits actions of what the client app can perform on resources on behalf of the user, without ever sharing the user’s ID.

4. Modifications

In the AuthN process, the user has the flexibility to update their AuthN credentials as needed.

Conversely, the user can’t alter AuthZ permissions. They are controlled and managed solely by the system owner.

5. Methods

AuthN uses several methods to verify user identity, which includes username and password, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and Biometric authentication. Out of these, biometric authentication is likely to become an even more predominant AuthN method in the future.

AuthZ is managed through policies—sets of rules that determine what actions, resources a user or system is allowed to access. Common policy models include Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), and Relationship-Based Access Control (ReBAC).

Authentication Vs. Authorization: Wrap Up

Despite their diverse functions, authentication and authorization are dependable forms of access control. They help a company’s system for controlling who has access and keep things secure. One can only work with the other.

However, it’s also important to note that with advances in AI, machine learning, and deep fakes, there will be challenges in differentiating the true from the false.

Thus, companies need both to ensure a reliable and safe network. By ensuring all users correctly confirm their identity and access only the required resources, organizations can enhance their security against data breaches that can impact business revenue and reputation. Together, they create a strong security system.