"User authentication" ensures the security and integrity of digital applications by verifying the identity of users attempting to access system resources. This process typically involves validating usernames and passwords, and may also include additional factors such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), which enhances security by requiring two or more verification methods. By safeguarding user access, authentication helps protect sensitive information, prevents unauthorized access, and contributes to the overall privacy of user data, which is increasingly critical in today’s digital landscape.