Final answer:
Identification is the process of confirming an individual's identity by providing credentials or personal information, while authentication is the process of verifying that identity by presenting and confirming the validity of credentials. Identification provides personal information or credentials, while authentication provides evidence such as passwords or biometrics. These mechanisms reduce the risks of unauthorized access, fraud, and impersonation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identification:
Identification is the process of confirming an individual's identity. It involves providing credentials or personal information, such as a username or social security number, to establish who you are.
Example: When you log into an online account using your username and password, you are providing identification.
Authentication:
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system. It requires presenting credentials and confirming that they are valid.
Example: When you enter a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number, you are going through an authentication process.
Evidence provided by each mechanism:
Identification typically provides personal information or credentials to establish who you are. Authentication, on the other hand, provides evidence such as passwords, biometrics, tokens, or OTPs to confirm your identity.
Risks being reduced by identification and authentication mechanisms:
Identification and authentication mechanisms help reduce the risks of unauthorized access, fraud, and impersonation. They ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information or perform certain actions.