Primary definition
Verifying the identity of a user, process, or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system
Also known asauthn · user authentication · device authentication · identity verification · access verification
9 sources cited3 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— CIS/EI-ISAC Essential Guide to Election SecurityView source
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CIS
Verifying the identity of a user, process, or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system
CIS/EI-ISAC Essential Guide to Election Security · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Authentication. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/authentication
Sources
9 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
CIS/EI-ISAC Essential Guide to Election Security
Essential Guide to Election Security
High consensus
02
The State and Local Election Cybersecurity Playbook
The State and Local Election Cybersecurity Playbook
Multi-source
03
Electronic Voting Glossary
Electronic Voting Glossary
Disputed
04
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Multi-source
05
EAC Glossary of Terms
EAC Glossary of Terms
Multi-source
06
EAC Information Technology Terminology
EAC Information Technology Terminology
Multi-source
07
Independent Panel on Internet Voting Report
Independent Panel on Internet Voting Report
Multi-source
08
NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary
Multi-source
09
NIST Election Glossary
NIST Election Glossary
High consensus
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