CyberGuard dictionary / Identity & Access
Authentication
The process of verifying a claimed identity.
In simple terms
Authentication answers “Who are you?” at sign-in or during another access request.
Technical explanation
Mechanisms include passwords, cryptographic authenticators, biometrics, and federation assertions, each with different assurance properties.
Authentication establishes that a requester controls a credential or authenticator; it does not decide which records the requester may access. Recovery and session handling are part of the overall assurance.
Examples in practice
An employee uses a passkey to prove control of a company account.
The employee signs in with a passkey, then the service creates a session tied to that account. If the device is lost, the organization revokes its authenticator and active sessions.
Why it matters
Strong authentication reduces unauthorized account access but does not decide which actions are permitted.
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Sources and further reading
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.