Glossary - Authentication

Term: Authentication

Definition: Authentication is a procedure that works like a lock and key by providing access to software or a computer system by a user who enters the appropriate user name and password. The term also can refer to the procedure through which user names and passwords are created and maintained.

Authentication systems can involve a single logon which is the most user friendly and most vulnerable to hacking. More complicated systems can involve layers with separate logons for each layer.

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