Which component is commonly required for identity verification?

The correct choice emphasizes the role of physical keys as a fundamental component in identity verification. Physical keys serve as tangible items that an individual possesses, which can be utilized to validate their identity in various security contexts. For example, a keycard or a traditional physical key allows access to secure locations or systems, confirming that the bearer has the authorized right to enter or operate within specific areas.

While each of the other options has its own specific importance in IT and security, they do not play a direct role in the process of identity verification like physical keys do. Data storage devices are geared towards storing information, but they do not inherently verify identity. Network cables facilitate communication between devices but have no capacity for identity verification themselves. Application software could include identity verification tools, but it requires the necessary authentication methods to operate properly; it is not solely a means of verifying identity in the absence of physical tokens. Thus, physical keys stand out as a direct example of a component often used specifically for confirming identity.