What does the term “authentication” refer to?

The term "authentication" refers specifically to the process of verifying the identity of a user or a device. In the context of information security, authentication is crucial as it ensures that the entity trying to gain access to a system is indeed who they claim to be. This process typically involves several methods, such as inputting a password, using biometric recognition, or utilizing security tokens, which all aim to establish the legitimacy of the user's credentials before granting them access to sensitive data or systems.

On the other hand, the other options focus on different aspects of information security. Encrypting data pertains to protecting data from unauthorized access by transforming it into a coded format. Creating passwords is part of the broader process of securing accounts but does not encompass the entire scope of verifying identities. Backing up data refers to the process of creating copies of data to prevent loss, which is also separate from authentication. Thus, the correct definition is clearly aligned with verifying identities, making it the appropriate choice.