credential

Credentials are identity documents, credentials, certificates, or legitimations in the form of data that are intended to confirm to one system the identity of another system or of a user.

Generally, a credential can be a credential, a birth certificate, an e-passport, driver's license, or electronic ID card. So can login credentials, the distinctive characteristics of biometric data, such as a fingerprint, iris, or retina.

Ininformation technology, this includes not only biometric characteristics but also passwords, keys or the results of cryptographic processes, or physical components for access authorization such as smart cards or keys.