Application authentication and authorization are fundamental security pillars that ensure only legitimate users gain access to appropriate resources. Authentication verifies a user's identity, confirming they are who they claim to be, often through credentials like usernames and passwords, multi-factor authentication, or biometric data.

Authorization, on the other hand, determines what actions a verified user is permitted to perform within the application, controlling access to specific features, data, and functionalities. This layered approach safeguards sensitive information and prevents unauthorized manipulation, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the application and its data.