Authentication is used to determine that the person interacting with a technology device is who they claim to be. Which option best captures this purpose?

• A. Authentication verifies the user's identity.
• B. It encrypts data at rest.
• C. It monitors network traffic for anomalies.
• D. It manages user accounts and permissions.

Answer: (A)

Authentication is the process of confirming a claimed identity by verifying credentials such as passwords, biometrics, or tokens. This directly addresses the idea of determining that the person interacting with a device is who they claim to be, which is why this option matches the purpose described. Encryption at rest protects data content but doesn’t verify who is using the device. Monitoring network traffic for anomalies is about spotting suspicious activity, not proving identity at the moment of interaction. Managing user accounts and permissions relates to who is allowed to do what, i.e., authorization, not the active verification of identity.