In the context of ForgeRock, what is the distinction between authentication and authorization?

The distinction between authentication and authorization is fundamental in security and identity management. Authentication is the process that verifies the user's identity, confirming that they are who they claim to be. This typically involves providing credentials such as a username and password, biometric data, or other identifiers. Once a user is authenticated, the system can recognize them and their associated identity.

On the other hand, authorization takes this a step further by determining what an authenticated user is permitted to do within the system. It involves defining access levels, permissions, and privileges based on the individual's role or attributes. For instance, a user might be allowed to access certain resources while being restricted from accessing others.

This clear separation of roles is critical for maintaining security; without effective authentication, there would be no verified identity on which to base authorization decisions. Thus, the assertion that authentication provides user identity while authorization defines access accurately captures the essence of these two processes in the context of ForgeRock, ensuring that users not only prove who they are but also that they can access appropriate resources according to their permissions.