What is Authentication? Recently, this word has gained immense popularity. It can be heard in conversations with people and on TV, as well as found on the Internet.
In this article, we will explain what authentication means and give examples of its use.
What authentication means
Authentication is an authentication procedure. Translated from Greek, this word literally means - real or genuine.
It is worth noting that the verification process can be completely different, depending on the circumstances. For example, to enter a house you need to open the door with a key. And if it still opened, then you have successfully authenticated.
In this example, the key to the lock acts as an identifier (inserted and turned - passed identification). The opening process (matching the key and the lock) is authentication. In the virtual world, this is analogous to going through the authentication stage (verifying the entered password).
However, today there is one-factor and two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication will mean an additional - a second lock, which improves security.
Nowadays, the word authentication more often means electronic authentication, that is, the procedure for entering websites, electronic wallets, programs, etc. However, the principle remains the same - authentication.
In the electronic version, you have an identifier (for example, a login) and a password (analogue of a lock) required for authentication (entering a website or other Internet resource). Recently, biometrics is gaining more and more popularity, in which a fingerprint, retina, face, etc. are required to enter the system.