> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arkannis.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arkannis.net/cloud/azure/courses/az900-course/azure-identity-services/authentication-vs-authorization.md).

# Authentication vs Authorization

## The difference between Authentication and Authorization

* **Authentication** is a user proving who they are - **user id and password**
* **Authorization** is ensuring that a **user is permitted to perform an action**

*Move away from all authenticated users having admin access*

## Azure Active Directory

* Microsoft's preferred solution for identity management
* Powers other Microsoft Services:
  * Azure
  * Skype
  * Outlook
  * OneDrive
  * Xbox
  * Office 365 - Teams, SharePoint, PowerBI, etc
* Complete solution for managing users, groups, roles
* Single-sign on - Synchronization with your corporate AD
* Conditional access:
  * Detect unusual activity
  * Examples:
    * User A attempts to log in to the app from within the company office
    * User B attempts to log in to the app for the first time in 4 months
    * Administrator C attempts to log in to the app from their phone
    * Administrator D attempts to log in to the app from a location 1200km from the office
  * You can treat some access attempts as "routine", and some as "not normal"
  * Signal --> Decision --> Enforcement


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