Certified - CompTIA Tech+ Prepcast

Authentication and authorization are distinct yet interconnected security functions within IT access control. Authentication verifies a user’s identity, while authorization specifies which resources that user can access after their identity is confirmed. Accounting, also called logging, tracks user activity for monitoring, auditing, and compliance purposes. The CompTIA Tech Plus exam covers identification models, permission assignment methods, and logging processes as part of its security domain objectives.
Authentication is the process of confirming that a user is who they claim to be before granting access to a system or resource. This process ensures that only legitimate individuals can perform specific actions or view sensitive data. Common methods involve presenting valid credentials such as passwords, personal identification numbers, or security badges. Without proper authentication in place, no other security measures can be applied reliably because identity is not established.
Single-factor authentication relies on one category of credential, such as a password or personal identification number, for verification. It is simple to implement but vulnerable to theft, guessing, or brute-force attacks by malicious actors. Many consumer services still use single-factor authentication as the initial access method for user accounts. However, this approach offers minimal protection and is no longer considered adequate for systems that require strong security.
Multi-factor authentication combines two or more independent credentials from different categories to verify identity. The categories include something you know, such as a password, something you have, such as a token or mobile code, and something you are, such as a biometric factor. An example is combining a password with a fingerprint scan or a one-time code sent to a phone. This approach greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if one factor is compromised.
Biometric authentication methods confirm identity using unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. These methods reduce reliance on memorized credentials and often improve convenience for the user. Biometrics are widely adopted in devices like smartphones, tablets, and secure enterprise access systems. While harder to steal, biometric data must be stored securely, as its compromise cannot be remedied by simply changing it like a password.
Authorization refers to defining what actions a user is allowed to perform after they have been authenticated. Permissions determine access to files, applications, services, or administrative functions based on policy. Authorization can be broad or highly specific, depending on the needs and security requirements of the system. It works together with authentication to enforce consistent and effective access control policies.
Role-based access control assigns permissions according to predefined job roles within an organization. Each role includes a set of allowed actions aligned with specific job responsibilities. This approach simplifies access management by grouping users under these predefined permission sets. Role-based access control is widely implemented in enterprise systems to ensure the principle of least privilege is applied consistently across the organization.
The principle of least privilege limits users to the minimum access necessary to perform their duties. This restriction helps prevent accidental errors, insider misuse, and exploitation by external threats. The concept applies to human users, automated processes, and system services alike. Incorporating least privilege into system design is a cornerstone of building secure, auditable, and compliant IT environments.
Access control models define the framework for assigning and enforcing permissions. Discretionary access control allows owners to decide who can access their resources. Mandatory access control applies strict, system-enforced rules based on security classifications. Role-based access control organizes permissions according to job functions. Each model presents trade-offs between flexibility, security, and administrative overhead.
Accounting, also referred to as auditing, involves recording user and system actions for later review. It provides visibility into events such as login attempts, file access, and configuration changes. Logging supports compliance with regulations, enables incident investigations, and helps monitor system performance. Without accounting, there is no verifiable record of how systems are being used and whether policies are being followed.
Security event logging captures specific activities such as successful and failed logins, file access events, and changes to permissions. Logs are recorded in chronological order with timestamps and identifiers that link actions to specific accounts. Centralized logging tools can aggregate events from multiple systems into a single analysis platform. Reviewing logs on a regular schedule helps identify suspicious patterns or configuration issues before they escalate.
Real-time monitoring and alerting involve actively analyzing logs and system activity to detect anomalies. Alerts can be triggered by events such as multiple failed login attempts or access outside of normal working hours. This immediate feedback improves the speed and effectiveness of threat detection and incident response. Real-time monitoring is often integrated into security information and event management systems to provide centralized oversight.
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Single sign-on is an access solution that allows a user to authenticate once and then gain access to multiple connected systems without logging in again. It reduces the number of passwords a user must manage and streamlines workflow across integrated applications. However, it increases risk if the primary credentials are compromised because they control access to multiple systems. To mitigate this risk, single sign-on should be paired with strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication.
Federated identity enables a user from one organization or domain to access resources in another without creating separate accounts. This is common in partnerships, educational institutions, or multi-brand environments where shared access is needed. Federation depends on trust between the identity provider, which verifies the user, and the service provider, which grants access. Common standards supporting this capability include Security Assertion Markup Language and Open Authorization frameworks.
Password policy enforcement ensures that all user credentials meet specific security requirements. These requirements may include a minimum length, complexity rules, expiration intervals, and limits on reuse. Strong policies help reduce the risk of brute-force guessing attacks and password-based compromises. Policies must balance security with usability so that users can comply without resorting to unsafe workarounds, and they are often applied through group settings or identity management systems.
Password managers store encrypted credentials within a secure, centralized vault accessible with a single master password. They allow users to maintain unique and complex passwords for each account without memorizing them. In enterprise environments, password managers can provide audit logging and controlled credential sharing. Their use discourages password reuse and improves overall credential hygiene for both individuals and organizations.
Logging of access events creates a detailed record of authentication attempts, failed logins, changes in privileges, and system modifications. These logs provide evidence of access behavior over time and support compliance documentation. Event logs assist in investigating incidents, confirming whether unauthorized actions occurred, and identifying vulnerabilities. They must be secured to prevent tampering and retained according to established organizational policies.
Audit trails link recorded actions to specific user accounts along with timestamps to establish accountability. They make it possible to detect misuse, enforce policies, and support investigative processes. Clear audit trails are especially critical in industries that require strict regulation such as healthcare and finance. Maintaining detailed and accurate records ensures traceability and strengthens the enforcement of security policies.
Security information and event management systems collect and analyze logs from many different sources in real time. They correlate related events, generate alerts for suspicious activities, and present data in dashboards for monitoring. These platforms support incident response, regulatory reporting, and threat analysis. Implementing such systems requires careful planning to determine log sources, set alert thresholds, and manage data retention requirements.
User behavior and risk scoring systems evaluate login patterns, locations, and device types to assess the likelihood of an account being compromised. Unusual activities such as logging in from two distant locations in a short period may trigger additional verification. These adaptive controls can require multi-factor authentication before granting access. Behavior analytics strengthens security by responding dynamically to potential threats without impacting legitimate users unnecessarily.
Managing administrative access involves applying the highest level of control because these accounts have extensive privileges. Administrative accounts should always require multi-factor authentication, be limited in scope, and be used only on secure, dedicated devices. All administrator activity should be logged separately and reviewed frequently for unusual behavior. Even for administrators, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to reduce exposure to risk.
Guest and temporary access policies govern how accounts for contractors, partners, or visitors are created and maintained. These accounts should have restricted, time-limited permissions and be closely monitored for unusual activity. Automatic expiration or disabling ensures that they do not remain active beyond their intended use. Providing only the access necessary for the assigned task reduces the possibility of misuse.
Reviewing and revoking access is an ongoing process to ensure that permissions remain appropriate. Periodic audits can confirm that users still require the rights they have been given. When employees change roles or leave the organization, prompt removal of access reduces the likelihood of insider threat incidents. Automated provisioning tools can streamline this process and maintain consistent control over account lifecycles.
For the CompTIA Tech Plus exam, expect questions about authentication methods, access control models, and the purposes of logging. You may encounter scenarios where you must select the most effective identity verification method or identify which log entries to investigate. Understanding how authentication, authorization, and accounting work together supports both exam success and real-world security implementation.
Glossary terms for this topic include authentication, authorization, accounting, multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, single sign-on, federation, audit trail, and security information and event management. Grouping these terms by identity management, access control, and monitoring functions improves retention. Using flashcards, diagrams of access flows, and layered security models can help reinforce understanding for both testing and application in IT roles.
In the next episode, we will examine how devices are hardened to defend against threats, focusing on phishing prevention, malware protection, timely patching, and physical safeguards. Join us for Episode Fifty-Two: Device Security — Phishing, Malware, and Hardening.