Definition
Authentication is a fundamental security process used to confirm the identity of a user, device, or system. It relies on evidence such as passwords, cryptographic keys, biometrics, or other credentials to prove that an identity claim is legitimate. In digital systems, including blockchain platforms and crypto wallets, authentication acts as a gatekeeper that decides whether an entity should be treated as a recognized participant.
As a security primitive, authentication underpins higher-level security decisions and controls. It is distinct from authorization, which determines what an authenticated entity is allowed to do after its identity has been verified. Strong authentication reduces the risk of impersonation, unauthorized access, and fraudulent activity across online services and cryptographic systems.
In Simple Terms
Authentication is about proving who someone or something is in a digital environment. When a person logs in with a password or a device signs a message with a private key, they are providing proof of identity. Systems then use this proof to decide whether to treat that person or device as a known, trusted participant.
Once authentication is successful, other security processes, such as authorization, decide what actions are allowed. Without reliable authentication, systems cannot safely distinguish between legitimate users and impostors, making it a core building block of digital and blockchain security.