Authentication Vs Authorization…what’s the difference? How important are they really?
Digital security is more important today than ever, especially for subscription-based business models. However, you should keep in mind that while this process helps secure information by keeping it private, it’s by no means foolproof.
As companies grow towards their digital maturity in these times of cloud-based systems and strict online security, most modern security systems are based on a two-step process. The first step is authentication, which determines the user identity, and the second stage is authorization, which then dictates what content the said user is allowed to access.
What is Authentication?
Digital authentication is the process of determining whether someone is who they say they are. Authentication provides access to systems by checking if the user’s credentials match the credentials stored in the company’s database of authorized users.
Passwords are currently the most common form of authentication; by having the user enter their correct password, the system assumes that they are who they claim to be and are therefore granted access.
What is Authorization?
Authorization determines what each user is allowed to access on your website, be it content or features. Often used interchangeably with access control or client privilege, this system is responsible for giving your users permission to download files from a server or providing them with administrative access to their accounts.
It’s important to note that in a secure environment, authorization ALWAYS has to come after authentication, where a user’s access rights are only decided on after their identity is confirmed.
Steer Clear of Legacy Systems
Regardless of what you’re looking for in your cyber-security management software; it’s a good idea to stay away from legacy systems as they were designed for the past’s closed IT network and workforce environments. They may have been ok a decade ago, but they fall short of today’s standards.
Final Thoughts:
It’s not a question of Authentication vs Authorization, the right answer incorporates them both as vital pillars of cybersecurity that help protect companies from potential cyberattacks. Authentication provides access to systems by checking if the user’s credentials match the credentials stored in a database of authorized users. While authorization is the method to check the user’s privilege, granting access to specific resources.
The security on your platform is one of your business’s most essential features, and it all starts with your company’s 2-step security process.
Are you wondering if Pelcro is the right company to manage your website’s subscriptions, memberships, and verification systems? Get started with one of our free trials, or schedule a demo with one of our experts to find out.