Which term describes the capability to confirm someone's identity with adequate assurance?

The correct answer is authentication, as it specifically refers to the process of verifying or confirming an individual's identity. In the context of security, authentication involves the use of credentials, such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens, to ensure that the person accessing a system or data is indeed who they claim to be. This process is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of systems, especially in cloud security environments.

Authentication focuses on the accuracy of identity verification, providing organizations with the confidence that users accessing systems are legitimate. This capability is essential for appropriate access control measures and contributes to overall security posture by mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access.

While identity and access management encompasses broader strategies, tools, and policies for managing user identities and permissions within systems, authentication is a key component that enables these processes. Identification involves recognizing or stating an identity but does not necessarily validate that identity, and authorization pertains to granting or denying access rights based on authenticated identities, rather than confirming who they are.