Question 15

Explanation

The correct answer: User authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user attempting to gain access to a network or system. By requiring valid credentials (like a username and password), user authentication can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data. This can be further enhanced by multi-factor authentication methods which require additional verification beyond just a password. The incorrect answers: A firewall is designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network by blocking or limiting certain types of network traffic. While a firewall can provide a strong line of defense against external threats, it doesn't specifically control who within the network (or those who have already breached the network) can access sensitive data. Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware), including viruses, worms, and trojans. While important for general cybersecurity, antivirus software doesn't specifically prevent access to sensitive data unless that access is being attempted via known malicious software. Encryption transforms readable data into an unreadable form, which can only be converted back to a readable form with a decryption key. While this is a crucial method to protect data, especially during transmission or when stored in a potentially vulnerable location, it doesn't directly prevent access to the data. It only ensures that if data is accessed, it can't be understood without the key.