What term refers to the ability to confirm the identity of a user or system?

The term that refers to the ability to confirm the identity of a user or system is authentication. This process is crucial in cybersecurity as it ensures that the individual or system requesting access is indeed who or what it claims to be. Authentication can involve various methods such as passwords, biometrics, tokens, or digital certificates.

This concept is foundational in cybersecurity as it establishes the basis for trust and security measures within a system. By verifying identities, organizations can protect sensitive information and ensure that only authorized users can access specific resources or perform certain actions.

The other concepts, while related to security, do not specifically relate to confirming identity. Authorization pertains to granting or denying access based on authenticated identities. Accounting involves tracking user activity and usage within a system, which is essential for monitoring and auditing. Access control focuses on the mechanisms that enforce limits on who can enter or use resources, which often relies on prior authentication and authorization processes.