Authentication is how someone (often a website) verifies you are who you say you are, also known as your “identity.” The basic idea goes back thousands of years – any time a sentry said, “Halt! Who goes there?” he was taking the first step of authentication. Websites use authentication when you “log in” using your username and password, which is how a website essentially asks the same question “halt, who goes there?” Enter the correct information and you are “authenticated” and can access the website.

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