In computer security, the process of verifying that a user's login name and password are correct before granting access to a system is called ________.

Introduction / Context:
Most computer systems require users to identify themselves with a username and prove their identity with a password or other credentials. Before allowing access to protected resources, the system must check these credentials. This process has a specific name in computer security and networking. The question asks you to recall that term, which is fundamental to understanding login procedures and secure access control.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A user provides a login name (username) and password.
• The system compares these credentials with stored information.
• Access is granted only if the credentials match.
• Options include troubleshooting, logging in, configuration and authentication.

Concept / Approach:
The process of checking a user's credentials to ensure they are who they claim to be is called authentication. It answers the question: Are you really this user? After successful authentication, authorisation determines what the user is allowed to do. Logging in is the overall action from the user's point of view and includes both entering credentials and being granted access, but the technical term for the verification step is authentication. Troubleshooting refers to diagnosing problems, and configuration refers to setting up system options. Therefore, authentication is the correct term for verifying a username and password pair.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Security tutorials and standards documents define authentication as the process of verifying an identity, typically by checking something the user knows (a password), has (a token) or is (biometrics). Login prompts are often referred to as authentication prompts. Error messages indicate authentication failed when a user enters incorrect credentials. In contrast, troubleshooting guides discuss how to fix system problems and configuration guides explain how to set up software options. None of these overlap with the specific meaning of authentication. This consistent use across security literature confirms that authentication is the correct term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Troubleshooting: Refers to finding and resolving faults; it is not about identity verification.
• Logging in: Describes the entire user action of entering credentials and gaining access, but the technical check is authentication.
• Configuration: Involves setting parameters and options in a system, not checking user identities.
• Encryption: Refers to converting data into a coded form to protect confidentiality; it may be used with authentication but is a different concept.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse logging in with authentication, because in everyday language they seem similar. However, in security terminology, authentication is the specific process of verifying credentials, while logging in is a broader term for starting a session. Another common confusion is between authentication and authorisation. Remember the simple distinction: authentication answers Who are you?, while authorisation answers What are you allowed to do?. Keeping these terms straight will help in many exam questions and real world security discussions.

Final Answer:
The verification of a login name and password before granting access is known as Authentication.