cRYPTO Glossary

Authentication is the process of verifying and confirming the identity of a user or entity before granting access to sensitive information, systems, or resources, typically through various ownership proofs or credentials.

Explanation of Specific Terms:

• Verifying identity: Ensures that the person or entity requesting access is who they claim to be, preventing unauthorized access.
• Ownership proofs: Examples include passwords, PINs, biometric data (such as fingerprints or facial recognition), security tokens, SMS codes, or other forms of authentication factors.
• Granting access: Once identity is authenticated, the user is allowed access to specific systems, applications, or data based on their authorization level.

Key Points for Beginners:

• Security measure: Authentication helps protect sensitive information and systems from unauthorized users or malicious attacks.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification, such as combining a password with a fingerprint scan or a one-time code sent to a mobile device.
• Importance: Critical in digital security to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and resources.