System Design · Junior · Question 9 of 75
How does authentication differ from authorization?
- ✓Correct answer: Authentication is who you are, authorization is what you're allowed to do
- 2Authentication is what you're allowed to do, authorization is who you are
- 3They're synonyms for a user signing in to the system
Explanation
First the system verifies identity (password, OAuth, passkey), then permissions for a specific action (role, ownership of the resource). Permission checks are mandatory on the server: a hidden button in the UI protects nothing.