The process of verifying the identity of a user.

The process of verifying the identity of a user.

• A. Permissions
• B. Authorization
• C. Authentication
• D. Accounting

Answer: (C)

Authentication is the process of proving who someone is. It verifies the identity of the user before access is granted, using credentials such as a password, a security token, a smart card, or biometric data, and often combining multiple factors for stronger proof. Once identity is established, authorization decides what resources or actions the user is allowed, and accounting can log the user’s activities for auditing. Permissions describe the specific rights an authenticated user has, but they don’t verify identity themselves.

Authentication is the process of proving who someone is. It verifies the identity of the user before access is granted, using credentials such as a password, a security token, a smart card, or biometric data, and often combining multiple factors for stronger proof. Once identity is established, authorization decides what resources or actions the user is allowed, and accounting can log the user’s activities for auditing. Permissions describe the specific rights an authenticated user has, but they don’t verify identity themselves.