Authentication and identification are two fundamental concepts within Identity and Access Management (IAM). They define how a user or system is recognized and granted access to digital resources. Although often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:
1. Identification
Identification is the first step in the access process. A user or system presents a unique identifier, such as:
Identification alone is not sufficient for granting access—it only indicates who someone claims to be. This is where authentication comes into play.
2. Authentication
Authentication validates a user’s identity using verification methods. These can be categorized into different types:
a. Single-Factor Authentication (SFA)
A single verification method, usually a password. This is the least secure form of authentication.
b. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA requires two or more verification factors from different categories:
MFA significantly enhances security compared to SFA.
c. Passwordless Authentication
This method completely replaces passwords with other authentication approaches, such as:
d. Federated Identity & Identity Providers (IdP)
Federated authentication allows users to access multiple systems with a single identity. This is achieved using protocols such as:
Popular Identity Providers (IdPs) include Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace.
3. Authentication Standards and Protocols
Various standards support secure authentication, including:
Conclusion
Identification and authentication are essential components of IAM. A strong authentication strategy, such as using MFA or passwordless authentication, helps organizations securely grant users access to systems without compromising usability.