authentication

1. “the process of validating and verifying a claimed identity. This includes: establishing that a given identity exists; establishing that a person is the true holder of that identity; and enabling the genuine owner of the identity to identify themselves for the purpose of carrying out a transaction …”
 
     Source:  Cabinet Office, Identity Fraud: A Study, UK Cabinet Office. July 2002.

2.  "the process of verifying the identity of a person or entity. Authentication is typically dependent upon customers providing an “identifier” such as an identification card or an identification number followed by one or more authentication factors, or credentials, to prove their identity."

     Source: FFIEC, Authentication in an Internet Banking Environment. 2005, Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council

3. "the techniques, procedures and processes used to verify the identity and authorization of prospective or established clients."
 
     Source: Canadian Payments Association - Risk Guide
  
See also authentication factor, multi-factor authentication, single-factor authentication and credentials management

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