Related Terms • Biometrics • Encryption • Network security

Definition: One of the keys in determining if the message or file you are receiving is safe is to first authenticate that the person who sent it is who they say they are. Authentication is the process of determining the true identity of someone. Basic authentication is simply using a password to verify that you are who you say you are. There are also more complicated and more precise methods such as biometrics (fingerprints, retina scans).

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