Which concept describes verifying who a user or device is before accessing resources?

Which concept describes verifying who a user or device is before accessing resources?

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

Answer: (A)

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device before granting access to resources. This step answers the question “who are you?” by requiring proof such as a password, a biometric scan, a token, or a certificate. Once identity is confirmed, the system uses authorization to decide what resources the entity may access. Accounting logs what was done, and auditing reviews those logs for compliance and security. So verifying identity before access is the core activity of authentication.

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device before granting access to resources. This step answers the question “who are you?” by requiring proof such as a password, a biometric scan, a token, or a certificate. Once identity is confirmed, the system uses authorization to decide what resources the entity may access. Accounting logs what was done, and auditing reviews those logs for compliance and security. So verifying identity before access is the core activity of authentication.