Which PIV level is the lowest associated with identity assurance?

The correct choice pertains to PIV I, as it is the lowest level associated with identity assurance within the framework established by the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and the U.S. government’s Personal Identity Verification (PIV) program. The PIV levels are designed to represent different categories of identity assurance and security measures necessary for accessing sensitive information and systems.

PIV I involves basic identity assurance requirements where the focus is primarily on the individual’s identity being verified. This level may include simple identifiers like a username and password or a basic ID card without more advanced security features. As the levels progress, each subsequent PIV tier introduces more stringent measures and requirements, ensuring higher degrees of identity verification, such as biometric factors or stronger authentication methods.

Understanding the hierarchy of the PIV levels helps in determining the appropriate identity assurance measures needed based on the sensitivity of the information being accessed, with PIV I serving as the baseline.