What is the term used when a cloud administrator logs into the cloud console using a token and password?

The situation described involves the cloud administrator using both a token and a password to gain access to the cloud console. This process is best defined by the term "authentication."

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user. When a user logs in using a combination of something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a token), it ensures that the person attempting to log in is indeed who they claim to be. This can enhance security, as it requires more than just a single piece of information to gain access.

The use of a token alongside a password indeed falls under two-factor authentication; however, the term "two-factor" specifically refers to the method of combining two separate components for verification, while "authentication" is the broader term that encompasses the overall process of verifying a user's identity. Therefore, while the correct methodology is two-factor authentication, the question is asking for the term that encapsulates the act of logging in with both elements, which is accurately addressed by "authentication."