Which process defines the actions or resources a user is allowed to access?

The process that defines the actions or resources a user is allowed to access is authorization. Authorization comes into play after a user has been authenticated. While authentication is about verifying who the user is, authorization determines what the authenticated user can do or what resources they can access. This process involves granting permissions based on predefined policies, roles, or privileges assigned to specific users or user groups.

In practical terms, after a user logs in successfully, the system checks their permissions against the required permissions for accessing various data or performing certain actions within the system. For instance, a user might be authenticated as a valid employee of a company, but authorization ensures that they can only access files and systems pertinent to their role, such as limited access to payroll data or full access to project files based on their job function.

Understanding the distinction between authentication and authorization is critical in security practices, as it helps in implementing a robust access control system.