The process[2] of identifying an individual usually based on a username[1] and password. Authentication merely ensures that the individual is who he or she claims to be, but says nothing about the access rights of the individual. The process of verifying the identity of an individual or entity[3] to ensure authorized access and secure transactions.
A word, phrase, number or combination of characters that uniquely identifies a user on software, a website, a computer or any computing device or related service that requires user authentication.
The mechanism through which the data are transformed, manipulated and created into output such as a report, a decision etc. A series of activities that need to be carried out to accomplish some sort of organizational goal. A sequence of events or activities that are triggered by something happening and results in something being achieved.
"Any singular, identifiable and separate object. The term is used in a number of programming languages/concepts, database management and systems design. In relation to a database, an entity is a single person, place, or thing about which data can be stored. In data modeling (a first step in the creation of a database), an entity is some unit of data that can be classified and have stated relationships to other entities."
