authisation

Authorization, often abbreviated as authz, is a fundamental security concept that determines whether a user or system has permission to access specific resources or perform certain actions. It is distinct from authentication, which verifies the identity of a user or system. Authorization acts as a gatekeeper, checking the credentials established during authentication against a set of predefined rules and policies.

The process of authorization typically involves a security policy that outlines access control lists (ACLs) or role-based access control (RBAC) configurations. ACLs specify which users or groups are permitted to interact with particular resources, detailing the types of operations allowed, such as read, write, or execute. RBAC assigns permissions to roles, and then users are assigned to these roles, inheriting the associated access rights.

When a request for a resource or action is made, the authorization system consults these policies. If the authenticated entity possesses the necessary permissions according to the policy, the access is granted. Otherwise, the request is denied. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data and systems, ensuring that only authorized entities can access sensitive information or execute privileged operations. Effective authorization is a cornerstone of robust cybersecurity.