Which term describes the process of determining if a user is who they claim to be?

Which term describes the process of determining if a user is who they claim to be?

• A. Privacy
• B. Authorization
• C. Authentication
• D. Integrity

Answer: (C)

Authentication is the process of determining if a user is who they claim to be. It verifies identity before granting access, using methods like passwords, tokens, or biometrics. This step is essential in health information systems to ensure that only authorized personnel can reach patient data. Privacy relates to protecting personal information, not verifying identity. Authorization decides what an authenticated user can do or view. Integrity concerns whether data has been altered. So authentication specifically answers the identity question.

Authentication is the process of determining if a user is who they claim to be. It verifies identity before granting access, using methods like passwords, tokens, or biometrics. This step is essential in health information systems to ensure that only authorized personnel can reach patient data. Privacy relates to protecting personal information, not verifying identity. Authorization decides what an authenticated user can do or view. Integrity concerns whether data has been altered. So authentication specifically answers the identity question.