What do you call the process in which a user is identified via a username and password?

The process in which a user is identified via a username and password is known as authentication. This is a critical step in cybersecurity that verifies the identity of a user or system. During authentication, the provided credentials (typically a username and password) are compared against those stored in a database to confirm if they match. If they do, the user is granted access to the system or resources.

Authentication is essential because it ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information or perform certain actions within a system. It forms the first line of defense against unauthorized access and is a foundational component of security protocols in both physical and digital environments.

Authorization, in contrast, refers to the mechanisms that grant users permission to access certain resources after they have been authenticated. Accounting involves tracking user activities in a system for monitoring and auditing purposes. Non-repudiation ensures that a user cannot deny having conducted a particular transaction or action, adding an additional layer of accountability to the processes.

In summary, authentication specifically addresses the verification of a user's identity, making it the correct choice when discussing the identification process facilitated by a username and password.