Authorization is the process of granting permission to individuals or systems to access specific resources or perform certain actions. It ensures that only those with the appropriate rights can use sensitive information or perform critical tasks, thereby protecting data and maintaining security. In many systems, such as computer networks or online services, authorization works alongside authentication, which verifies a user's identity. Once a user is authenticated, authorization determines what they can do, such as viewing files, editing documents, or accessing applications. This layered approach helps safeguard resources from unauthorized access.