Final answer:
Authentication (AuthN) is a process in IAM that verifies the identity of an individual or system before granting access to a resource or system. It involves using credentials such as passwords, smart cards, or biometric data to ensure the user is who they claim to be.
Step-by-step explanation:
Authentication (AuthN) is a process in IAM (Identity Access Management) that verifies the identity of an individual or system. It ensures that the user is who they claim to be before granting access to a resource or system. Authentication methods include something a user knows (such as a password), something they have (such as a smart card), or something they are (such as biometric data).
To understand authentication, let's consider an example. When you log in to your email account, you enter a username and password. The system then checks if the entered credentials match the ones stored in its database. If they do, you are authenticated and granted access. If not, you receive an error message.
Key Terms:
- Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of an individual or system.
- IAM: Identity Access Management, which manages and governs user access to resources.