Which of the following best describes the relationship between authentication and authorization?

In the realm of security, particularly concerning systems like Okta, the concepts of authentication and authorization are fundamental and sequential. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system—essentially confirming that the entity attempting to access a resource is who they claim to be. This might involve entering a password, using a security token, or employing biometric verification.

Once authentication is successfully completed, the next step is authorization. This is where access rights are determined; it involves granting or denying permissions to the authenticated entity based on their identity and associated roles. It's only after a user has been authenticated that the system can appropriately assess what resources or actions they are allowed to access.

Understanding this sequence is critical for implementing secure access controls. By ensuring that authentication precedes authorization, systems can effectively restrict access to sensitive information and functions based on verified identities. This structure supports the principle of least privilege, providing users only the access necessary for their role.

In contrast, the other options highlight misunderstandings of these concepts. For example, suggesting that authorization occurs before authentication implies a scenario where access decisions are made without knowing who the user is, which undermines security. Similarly, proposing that both processes occur simultaneously neglects the need for verification before access decisions are made