Authentikáció

Authentikáció, often translated as authentication, is the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system. It is a fundamental security measure employed across various digital and physical systems to ensure that only authorized entities gain access. The core principle involves a subject (the entity seeking access) proving their identity to an object (the system being accessed). This proof typically takes the form of providing credentials that only the legitimate subject should possess.

There are three primary categories of authentication factors. The first is something the user knows, such as a password or a PIN. The second is something the user has, like a physical key, a security token, or a smartphone. The third is something the user is, which refers to unique biological characteristics known as biometrics, such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines two or more of these distinct categories to significantly enhance security, making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to compromise an account. The success of an authentication process relies on the strength and security of the credentials used.