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Computer science · lesson 2 of 4

Authentication and access control

Verifying an asserted identity.

University8 practice questionsNotes + worked examples
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Learn the ideas

Prerequisites: Basic computer and internet literacy.

Authentication

Verifying an asserted identity.

Authorization

Deciding what an authenticated identity may do.

Multi-factor authentication

Using evidence from more than one authentication factor category.

Least privilege

Giving only the access needed for the intended task.

Worked examples

Example 1

Which term best matches this description: Verifying an asserted identity.

Authentication is the matching concept in this lesson.

Authentication

Example 2

Which term best matches this description: Deciding what an authenticated identity may do.

Authorization is the matching concept in this lesson.

Authorization

Check your understanding

8 questions

Decimals or fractions are accepted for numeric answers. Proofs and written responses use sample answers and require human marking. This is practice, not a protected examination.

1 Which term best matches this description: Verifying an asserted identity.

Show answer and explanation

Authentication

Authentication is the matching concept in this lesson.

2 Which term best matches this description: Deciding what an authenticated identity may do.

Show answer and explanation

Authorization

Authorization is the matching concept in this lesson.

3 Which concept would you apply first in a situation where using evidence from more than one authentication factor category.

Show answer and explanation

Multi-factor authentication

The scenario directly calls for Multi-factor authentication.

4 Name the concept described as: Giving only the access needed for the intended task.

Show answer and explanation

Least privilege

The intended concept is Least privilege.

5 Which statement about Authentication is most accurate?

Show answer and explanation

Verifying an asserted identity.

The definition in the lesson notes gives the required condition.

6 Explain one important difference between Authentication and Authorization.

Sample answer and marking guidance

Authentication: Verifying an asserted identity. Authorization: Deciding what an authenticated identity may do.

Credit a clear distinction using both definitions and an appropriate example if supplied.

7 Give a short example showing how Multi-factor authentication would be used in practice.

Sample answer and marking guidance

A valid example should demonstrate this idea: Using evidence from more than one authentication factor category.

Credit a relevant scenario that applies the concept rather than merely naming it.

8 Summarize why Least privilege matters in the lesson “Authentication and access control”.

Sample answer and marking guidance

Least privilege matters because Giving only the access needed for the intended task.

Credit the core purpose, scope and any important limitation from the notes.

Further reading and review references

These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.