authentication

[ aw-then-ti-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of establishing something as genuine or authoritative:

   The requisite authentication was performed on each piece before it was donated to the museum.

2. Also called electronic authentication. Digital Technology. the act or process of establishing identity and verifying permission to access an electronic device or computer network (often used attributively): biometric authentication;

   password authentication;

   biometric authentication;

   authentication credentials.

Other Words From

• re·au·then·ti·ca·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of authentication¹

First recorded in 1600–20; authenticat(e) ( def ) + -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

They use facial recognition and visual media authentication to determine the validity of the enormous volume of open source content that has been collected and preserved according to internationally-recognized standards.

From Salon

Regularly update passwords, avoid easily guessable information like birthdays and enable two-factor authentication.

From Salon

This functionality provides an additional layer of security beyond traditional password-based authentication.

From Salon

"The future of authentication lies in methods resilient to human error and technological compromise, such as hardware-based keys or biometric verification. It's not about making it impossible to hack—it's about making it not worth the effort. Cybersecurity controls should always be implemented in layers like an onion," she explained.

From Salon

To mitigate the risks associated with 2FA and ensure a robust security posture, individuals and organizations need to adopt a multi-layered approach to authentication and access control.

From Salon

Related Words

• certification
• verification