The invention discloses an authentication method and apparatus, belonging to the field of authentication. The method comprises the steps of acquiring to-be-verified information for an assigned account input by a user; acquiring press strength data for a touch screen on a mobile terminal in inputting by the user; and when the to-be-verified information passes the verification, and the press strength data is consistent with preset press strength data of the assigned account, determining that the user passes authentication. According to the method, while acquiring the to-be-verified information input by the user, the terminal acquires the press strength data for the touch screen in inputting the to-be-verified information by the user, and verifies the identity of the user by use of both the to-be-verified information and the press strength data. Lawbreakers cannot peek and steal the press strength data, so that even if verification information of a user account is revealed, lawbreakers cannot pass the authentication by use of the revealed verification information, and the user account can be safeguarded.