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Security

Authentication vs Authorization

Authentication (AuthN) checks who you are: logging in with a password, a one-time code, a fingerprint or a security key proves your identity. Authorization (AuthZ) decides what you are allowed to do once you are known: which pages, files or actions you can access.

Authentication always comes first. For example, logging in to net banking is authentication; being allowed to view only your own accounts, and needing extra approval for large transfers, is authorization. Protocols reflect the split: OpenID Connect handles authentication, while OAuth 2.0 grants authorization to apps.