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 Word Forms

• reauthentication noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of authentication¹

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

Example Sentences

The unique serial number on the bank note was the authentication he needed to ensure he was handing the cash over to the right person.

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“Multi-factor authentication attacks have been happening for well over a decade,” Manky said.

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Some included images of women holding photo identification for verification purposes, which Tea's own privacy policy promises are "deleted immediately" after authentication.

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Age verification firm Verifymy says when you carry out this check on its service, a two-factor authentication check and a mini transaction with no exchange of money takes place, similar to checking into a hotel.

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Its investigation - launched along with Canada's privacy commissioner last June - found that 23andMe breached UK data protection law by not having appropriate authentication and verification measures for customers during its login process.

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Related Words

• certification 
• verification