What is the process called that verifies a user's identity?

The process that verifies a user's identity is known as authentication. This involves confirming that the individual attempting to access a system or service is who they claim to be. Typically, this is achieved through various means such as passwords, biometric scans, security tokens, or multi-factor authentication methods. The goal of authentication is to ensure that unauthorized users are prevented from accessing sensitive information or systems.

In contrast, authorization refers to the process that determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do within a system, such as accessing specific files or performing certain actions. Encryption, on the other hand, is the method of converting information into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access during transmission or storage. Lastly, validation refers to ensuring that the input data is correct and meets certain criteria but does not involve verifying the identity of the user. Thus, authentication stands out as the correct term for the identity verification process.