Authentication

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== Definition ==
== Definition ==
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Authentication is a process of estabilishing which subject:
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Given one end of a communication channel, authentication procedure establishes which principal
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* created or is responsible for the contents of a given document;
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is probably at the other end.
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* created or is responsible for the behavior of a given program.
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== Notes ==
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Authentication should not be confused with the following two other concepts:
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* identity checking
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* authorization
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== Examples ==
== Examples ==
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* Debian packages (objects), after they are downloaded, before they are installed, are authenticated. The authentication procedure in this case establishes that given package (object) was issued by Debian community (subject). This step is useful if our trust in the Debian community is higher than to any other random subject. Genuine installation CDs contain appropriate keyring.
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* Authentication is important in connection with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banknote Banknotes]. Paper money is useful only if it is not easily forgeable. In ideal case, it should be issued by a single trusted principal. The authentication can determine that this is the case.
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* Current technology well supports authentication of e-mails (via various [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MUA MUA] plugins).
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* Authentication enables us to determine that a given principal probably issued a given document.
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* Authentication enables us to determine that a given principal probably published a given program.

Revision as of 09:14, 26 July 2009

Definition

Given one end of a communication channel, authentication procedure establishes which principal is probably at the other end.

Examples

  • Authentication is important in connection with Banknotes. Paper money is useful only if it is not easily forgeable. In ideal case, it should be issued by a single trusted principal. The authentication can determine that this is the case.
  • Authentication enables us to determine that a given principal probably issued a given document.
  • Authentication enables us to determine that a given principal probably published a given program.
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