Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What is authentication?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)**Authentication** is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device, answering the question "who are you?" **Key point:** authentication always comes before authorization, and MFA is the standard of modern security.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)Image**Authentication** is the process of **verifying the identity of a user or device**, answering the question: **"Who are you?"** In simple terms: *authentication confirms that you really are who you claim to be.* --- ## Why authentication is needed Without authentication: - anyone could pose as someone else; - accounts and systems cannot be protected; - access control does not work. Authentication is needed to: - protect accounts; - restrict access to systems; - ensure the security of data and services. --- ## Examples of authentication You go through authentication when you: - enter a login and password; - enter a code from an SMS or an app; - use a fingerprint; - log in with a certificate or a token. Entering a password is the **simplest and most common example**. --- ## Authentication factors Authentication is usually based on **factors**: ### 1. Something you know - a password; - a PIN code. --- ### 2. Something you have - a phone; - a token; - a smart card. --- ### 3. Something you are - a fingerprint; - a face; - a voice. The more factors, the higher the security. --- ## Types of authentication ### Single-factor (1FA) - password only; - the least secure. --- ### Multi-factor (MFA) - two or more factors; - significantly increases protection. **MFA is the standard of modern security.** --- ## How authentication differs from authorization Important for interviews. - **Authentication** is *who you are* - **Authorization** is *what you are allowed to do* Authentication always comes first, then authorization. --- ## Which security properties it supports - **Confidentiality** - protection against unauthorized access; - indirectly - **Integrity**.For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.