What process is used to verify that an entity has the right to access specific information?

The process used to verify that an entity has the right to access specific information is authentication. Authentication involves confirming the identity of a user, device, or system before granting access to resources or data. It typically requires users to present credentials, such as passwords, biometric data, or security tokens, to prove that they are who they claim to be.

This process is essential in maintaining security because it ensures that only legitimate users are allowed to access sensitive information, thereby helping to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. It acts as the first line of defense in a security framework, allowing organizations to trust that the individuals or systems trying to access their information have been correctly identified.

Other related processes, like authorization, come into play after authentication confirms identity. Authorization determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do, including which specific information they can access. Identification, on the other hand, refers to the overall process of presenting an identity, which is a step before authentication is performed. Verification is a broader term that can apply to multiple contexts in security but does not specifically refer to the process of confirming identity for access rights.