What does authorization refer to in a security context?

Authorization in a security context refers specifically to the process of granting or denying a user the ability to access specific resources or perform certain actions within a system. It determines what a user is allowed to do after their identity has been verified through authentication. This involves implementing a set of rules or permissions that dictate which actions users can take based on their roles, privileges, or security levels.

For instance, in a corporate environment, a system may allow an administrator to access all data and perform any action, while regular users might only have permission to view and edit their own files. The focus of authorization is on defining and enforcing these rules, thereby managing rights and access control effectively.

The other choices, while relevant to security, describe different aspects. The tracking of activities represents auditing measures; verifying identity pertains to the authentication process; and maintaining a record of actions is associated with logging or monitoring systems. Each of these plays an important role in a comprehensive security strategy but does not encapsulate the essence of what authorization is intended to accomplish.