What process ensures only authorized users can access certain information?

The process that ensures only authorized users can access certain information is referred to as authentication. Authentication involves verifying the identity of a user before granting them access to sensitive data or systems. This typically requires a user to provide credentials, such as a username and password, biometrics, or other multifactor authentication methods. By successfully validating these credentials, the system can confirm that the individual is indeed authorized to access the information in question.

While encryption is vital for protecting data at rest or in transit, it doesn’t restrict access to certain users; rather, it safeguards the data itself from unauthorized interception. Data classification, on the other hand, is about categorizing data based on its sensitivity but does not actively control access. Backup procedures are essential for data recovery but they do not pertain to user access control. Thus, authentication is the key process that directly addresses user identity verification and access permissions.