In the context of security, what does 'Authorization' refer to?

Authorization refers to the process of granting permissions to users, determining what resources and operations they have access to within a system after their identity has been confirmed. This critical step comes after authentication, where a user proves their identity. Once a user is authenticated, authorization establishes what actions they are allowed to take, such as accessing specific data, executing particular programs, or performing certain operations.

In the context of security, this is essential as it ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information and resources, thereby protecting the system from unauthorized actions and potential breaches. By setting permissions correctly, organizations can enforce security policies and controls, ensuring that users only have access to the resources necessary for their roles.

The other concepts mentioned, like confirming a user's identity, accounting for user actions, and protecting data integrity, play vital roles in the overall security framework but specifically pertain to different aspects of security management, such as authentication, auditing, and data security, respectively. However, they do not capture the essence of what authorization specifically entails.