Which of the following describes authentication?

Authentication is fundamentally the process of verifying identity. It involves confirming that an individual or entity is who or what they claim to be. This can be achieved through various methods such as passwords, biometric scans, or security tokens. The purpose of authentication is to ensure that only authorized users can access resources, thereby protecting systems and data from unauthorized access.

Understanding authentication as the verification of identity is crucial in the context of security, as it serves as the first line of defense in safeguarding information systems. By correctly implementing authentication mechanisms, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of breaches and ensure that sensitive data is only accessible to legitimate users.