Which term describes the process of verifying the identity of a person or device?

The term that describes the process of verifying the identity of a person or device is authentication. This process ensures that a user or device is indeed who or what it claims to be, often by requiring proof through credentials such as passwords, biometric data, or digital certificates.

Authentication is fundamental to security because it lays the groundwork for access control systems. Once a user's identity is verified, further processes, such as authorization, can take place, which involves determining what the authenticated user is allowed to do. It's important to distinguish authentication from identification, which refers to the initial act of claiming an identity. The authenticating process goes a step further, ensuring that the claim is valid.

In contrast, accounting refers to tracking user activities and resource usage, providing an audit trail for security monitoring. Authorization is related but distinct from authentication, involving the permissions granted to an authenticated user based on their verified identity. Thus, authentication is a critical first step in the broader framework of security protocols and practices.