Authentication

From Erights

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. Ideally, it should be issued by a single trusted principal. The authentication can determine that this is the case. Electronic currency has to have a similar property.
• 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.