authorizationcodefløten

Authorization is a fundamental security concept that determines whether a user or system is permitted to perform a specific action or access a particular resource. It is distinct from authentication, which verifies the identity of a user or system. Once a user's identity is confirmed through authentication, authorization then checks their credentials against predefined rules or policies to grant or deny access.

This process typically involves a set of rules, often referred to as an access control policy. These policies define which subjects (users, groups, or services) have what types of permissions (read, write, execute, delete) on which objects (files, databases, network services). For example, an authorization system might dictate that only administrators can modify system configuration files, while regular users can only read them.

Authorization mechanisms can be implemented in various ways. Role-based access control (RBAC) is a common model where permissions are assigned to roles, and users are assigned to those roles. Attribute-based access control (ABAC) offers a more granular approach, considering a wider range of attributes about the subject, object, and environment. The implementation of authorization is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring the integrity and security of systems and applications.