What approach is typically used to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information?

To prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, authentication and authorization mechanisms are essential strategies. Authentication involves verifying the identity of a user or system attempting to access resources. This process ensures that only legitimate users can gain access.

Authorization, on the other hand, dictates what an authenticated user is allowed to do. It establishes permissions and access levels, ensuring that users can only access data and perform actions that align with their roles and responsibilities. Together, these mechanisms create a robust security framework that protects sensitive information by ensuring that it is accessed only by those who have been properly vetted and granted the appropriate rights.

In contrast, while data replication can enhance data availability and resilience, it does not directly address the issue of unauthorized access. Network segmentation can assist in limiting the spread of breaches within networks but does not itself prevent users from accessing sensitive data outside of their privileges. Performance monitoring, while useful for maintaining system efficiency, does not inherently provide security measures against unauthorized access. Therefore, the combined approach of authentication and authorization stands out as the primary method for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.