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Identification

Identification

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is integral to our digital world. Whether you place an order online, sign in to a government service, or open your email, you need a digital identity to access these services. Identification is a key component of identity and access management. What exactly do we mean by identification in this context? And how does it differ from a related concept, such as authentication?

What is Identification?

Identification is something we routinely encounter in the physical world as well. For example, presenting your passport when you pass through airport customs.

In an IAM context, identification is the first step in the IAM access process. Identification is the action and step that ensures a system, service provider, or organization knows who you are. It is nothing more or less than presenting the digital identity of an entity (a person, application, or device).

The system or service provider requests a login. The entity identifies itself with a unique username, identification number, smart card, etc. The system then recognizes the data, for example, as a person with an existing digital identity.

The Relationship Between Identification, Authentication, and Authorization

Within IAM processes, identification forms a logical triad with the related and complementary concepts of authentication and authorization.

  • Identification is the process of establishing the digital identity of a user, application, or device. For a user, this usually involves providing a username or email address.

  • Authentication follows identification and verifies whether the entity is who it claims to be. You need credentials such as passwords, one-time PIN or numeric codes, authenticator apps, or biometric data (fingerprint, iris scan) to confirm your digital identity.

  • Authorization is the step that grants the entity permissions to use a specific function or service, or to enter a particular digital environment. For example, a person receives certain rights based on their role and digital profile.

Together, these three processes form the core of an IAM system. They work together to ensure that only authorized users gain access to systems and resources.

Why is Identification Important?

Authentication without prior identification has little value. It is not logical to perform a check without the system or an admin knowing whose identity must be confirmed. If the right to view or edit a file has been granted only to specific users, that person must be identified (by providing a login), then authenticated (with a password and a one-time verification code), and authorized to receive permission to read or modify the document. Identification is a key pillar within IAM because it enables access to important and sensitive information to be limited to specific individuals.

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