Which authentication method in Splunk uses standard authentication protocols?

The correct choice is the option that refers to LDAP, which stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. LDAP is a standard application protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. In the context of Splunk, LDAP allows the integration of user authentication with existing directory services, simplifying user management and ensuring consistency in access control across various systems.

Using LDAP, Splunk can authenticate users against a centralized directory, which is commonly used in enterprise environments where user accounts are maintained in a directory server. This means that users can log in to Splunk with credentials that are recognized by the broader corporate environment, enhancing security and convenience.

The other options refer to different authentication mechanisms that may not adhere to standardized protocols like LDAP does. For example, native Splunk authentication uses Splunk's built-in user management system, while scripted authentication allows for custom scripts to handle authentication but does not rely on standard protocols. SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is another authentication method, but it specifically deals with single sign-on (SSO) protocols designed for web applications, rather than standard directory services.