What does user authentication typically involve?

User authentication primarily revolves around the process of confirming the identity of a user by utilizing various credential inputs. This typically includes the use of usernames and passwords, biometrics, or security tokens to ensure that the individual attempting to access a system is indeed who they claim to be. The focus of authentication is to grant access only to confirmed users, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and resources from unauthorized access.

The other options, while related to user management processes, do not encapsulate the essence of authentication. Software updates are essential for maintaining system integrity and security but do not pertain to verifying user identities. Creating new user profiles is part of user account management but is a separate activity focused on onboarding users rather than verifying their existing identities. Reviewing past user activity is more aligned with monitoring and auditing, which may help in understanding usage patterns or identifying suspicious behavior, but it doesn't play a role in the initial authentication process.