In firewall configurations, what does it mean to restrict access by user identity?

Restricting access by user identity means that only specific users are granted access to certain services or data based on their individual identities. This type of configuration enhances security by ensuring that permissions are tightly controlled and that only authorized individuals are able to access sensitive resources.

This approach typically involves authentication methods, where users must prove their identity — such as through passwords, tokens, or biometric verification — before access is granted. By implementing user identity restrictions, organizations can effectively manage who can view or modify data, thus minimizing unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

While the other options represent different approaches to access management, they do not align with the principle of user identity-based restrictions. Some may imply a lack of control or blanket access, which does not provide the individual-level security that restricting access by user identity achieves.