Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. It ensures that the person or entity trying to access a particular resource or information is who they claim to be. This is typically achieved through the use of credentials, such as a username and password, a security token, or biometric information like fingerprints or facial recognition.
Authorization, on the other hand, is the process of determining whether a user, device, or system has the necessary permissions and privileges to access a particular resource or perform a specific action. It determines what a user is allowed to do after they have been authenticated.
In simpler terms, authentication is about verifying who you are, while authorization is about determining what you are allowed to do once your identity has been established.