When users sign in, what process verifies their credentials to prove their identity?

The process that verifies users' credentials to prove their identity is authentication. This critical step involves confirming that the information provided by the user, such as a username and password, matches what is stored in the system. When a user attempts to sign in, the system checks the input against its records to ensure that the user is who they claim to be. If the credentials are correct, access is granted; if not, the system will deny access.

Authentication is the foundational element of a secure system, as it ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information and resources. Once authentication is successful, the next steps typically involve authorization, which determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do within the system. However, authentication specifically focuses on the validation of the user's identity rather than their permissions or privileges.