Authentication
The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system before granting access.
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Related Access Control terms
Access Control List (ACL)
A list of permissions attached to an object that specifies which users or system processes are granted access.
Authorization
The process of determining what resources or actions an authenticated user is permitted to access.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A security mechanism that requires two or more independent credentials to verify a user's identity.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
An authentication scheme that allows a user to log in with a single set of credentials to access multiple applications.
Zero Trust
A security model that requires strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources, regardless of network location.
Privilege Escalation
An attack where a user gains elevated access to resources that are normally protected, beyond what their assigned permissions allow.