An authentication policy is a foundational framework of established rules and technical specifications within cybersecurity that defines how individuals, devices, or services must verify their identity before accessing an organization's digital assets, systems, or sensitive data. As a critical component of Identity & Access Management (IAM) strategies, it stipulates requirements such as minimum password strength and expiration rules, mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for specific resources, acceptance of biometric authentication or digital certificates, and protocols for single sign-on (SSO).

Beyond identity verification methods, authentication policies govern operational parameters including account lockout thresholds following failed login attempts, session inactivity timeouts, and conditions requiring re-authentication. A well-crafted authentication policy is essential for enforcing organizational security posture, mitigating unauthorized access risks, preventing credential compromise, and ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates. By providing clear, consistent guidelines, it strengthens the overall security architecture and protects critical information against evolving threats.