Which aspect of network access focuses on verifying the identity of a user or device?

The correct answer is focused on a critical security procedure commonly used in network access management. Authentication refers to the process of verifying the identity of a user or device trying to access a network. This process involves methods such as passwords, biometric scans, or security tokens that confirm that the entity is who they claim to be.

By ensuring that only authorized users or devices can gain access to resources, authentication serves as a foundational element of network security. It helps protect sensitive data and prevents unauthorized access, which could lead to data breaches or other security incidents.

In contrast, authorization occurs after authentication and is concerned with granting or denying permissions to access specific resources based on the authenticated identity. Verification can be a more general term and does not specifically relate to the identification process in network security. Accounting, on the other hand, involves tracking and recording user activities after they have been authenticated and authorized.