Which of the following best defines authorization?

Authorization is best defined as specifying and monitoring access to resources. This process involves granting or denying permissions to users based on predefined policies, roles, or attributes. Essentially, authorization determines what resources a user can access and what actions they can perform with those resources once their identity has been authenticated.

In an effective identity and access management framework, authorization is critical for ensuring that users can only interact with data and systems that are necessary for their roles and responsibilities. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.

The other choices relate to different aspects of identity and access management. For instance, verifying user identity refers to authentication, which precedes authorization in the access control process. Tracking user actions pertains to accountability, which helps organizations log and monitor user activities for compliance and auditing purposes. Establishing a unique identity for each user relates to identity management, which ensures that each user has a distinct and secure profile in the system. While all these elements are significant in managing access effectively, they do not specifically define the process of authorization itself.