What is the process of verifying identity called?

The process of verifying identity is known as authentication. This term specifically refers to the procedures that confirm whether an individual, system, or entity is who or what it claims to be. In the context of security, authentication is critical as it allows a system to establish trust and validate the credentials provided by a user, such as a password, biometric data, or security tokens.

Understanding authentication is crucial for implementing effective security measures, as it ensures that only authorized users can gain access to sensitive resources and information. This is distinct from identification, which is simply the process of claiming an identity, and authorization, which refers to granting access rights to resources after identity has been verified. Validation often pertains to ensuring that data is accurate or meets specific criteria, rather than specifically confirming an identity.