Gary is logging into a system and is providing his fingerpri

Gary is logging into a system and is providing his fingerpri - CompTIA DataSys+ DS0-001

Question

Gary is logging into a system and is providing his fingerprint to gain access. What step of the IAM process is he performing?

Answers

Identification
Authorization
Accounting
correct

Authentication

Explanation

Correct Answer: d. Authentication

Gary is performing authentication by providing his fingerprint to access a system. Authentication is the step in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) process where a user proves their identity using credentials such as passwords, smart cards, or biometric data like fingerprints.

Since Gary is supplying his fingerprint, the system is verifying that he is who he claims to be — a textbook example of biometric-based authentication.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

a. Identification: Identification is the initial step where a user claims an identity, such as entering a username. Gary has already moved beyond simply identifying himself; he's now proving that identity.
b. Authorization: Authorization occurs after authentication. It involves granting permissions or access levels. Gary has not yet reached this stage — he is still proving his identity, not receiving access rights.
c. Accounting: Accounting refers to logging and tracking user activities for auditing and monitoring. Since Gary is just trying to access the system, accounting hasn't started yet; it's not relevant to the fingerprint scan itself.

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