authentication
n.,
The process of verifying that a thing is what it purports to be, that it is acceptable as genuine or original.
ComputingThe process of establishing a user's identity.
authenticate, v.
To verify that a thing is what it purports to be.
ComputingTo establish an individual's identity.
Notes
Authentication2 is often accomplished through a shared secret known to the individual and the system, such as a user id (or name) and password. If a shared secret is not available or the system might compromise that secret, digital signatures based on public key cryptography can be used to authenticate the identity of the individual who sends a signed message.
