Preventing the misuse of network resources revolves around two concepts.
Authentication is the ability to verify a person's identity and assure the validity of transactions.
Authentication is the ability to control what information resources a person can access, and what they are allowed to do with those resources. Historically, these tasks have been controlled on individual computers and networks, through the use of account IDs, passwords and permissions. The computer has an account for each valid user, designated by an account ID, and protected by a password known only to the user. Each account also has an explicit or implied set of permissions, which grant or deny the user access to specific files, programs, activities, resources and capabilities. To access the computer, a person enters an account ID and password.