Final answer:
Authentication is the process used to verify someone's identity before access is granted to a system, which is different from encryption, access control, and auditing.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify a person before giving them access to a system, the process used is known as authentication. Authentication verifies the identity of a user, device, or entity by comparing provided credentials with those on file in a database. If the credentials match, access is granted. On the other hand, encryption is a process that encodes data to prevent unauthorized access, and access control is a broader term that encompasses various methods, including authentication and permissions, to control who can access certain resources. Lastly, auditing is the process of recording and reviewing activities that take place within systems, which can include tracking access and changes to data.