Which security measure would typically be part of device authentication?

Device authentication is a process that verifies the identity of a device before granting it access to a network or certain services. Among the various security measures, hardware identifiers play a crucial role in this process. These identifiers, which can include MAC addresses or other unique features of a device, provide a reliable means to distinguish one device from another.

When a device attempts to connect to a network, it can present its hardware identifier to the authentication system. The system checks this identifier against a database of known devices to determine if it should allow access. This method is especially important in environments requiring high security, as it ensures that only authorized hardware can connect.

While usernames and passwords are essential for user authentication, they do not inherently validate the device itself. Conversely, network firewalls and data encryption serve to protect data in transit and secure communications rather than directly authenticate devices. Thus, hardware identifiers are a foundational element in device authentication, making them the correct choice in this context.