What is one of the main purposes of authentication in cybersecurity?

Authentication is a critical function in cybersecurity, primarily aimed at verifying the identity of users or entities attempting to access a system. The primary goal of authentication is to ensure that the person or system accessing the resources is indeed who they claim to be. This process typically involves the use of credentials such as usernames and passwords, biometric data, or security tokens. By confirming the identity of users, organizations can protect their systems and sensitive data from unauthorized access, which is crucial in maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding against potential breaches.

While aspects like improving system performance, ensuring data integrity, and managing network traffic are important in their own right, they do not directly relate to the fundamental role of verifying identity. Overall, authentication establishes the foundation for security by determining who is authorized to access certain resources and helps in enforcing policies related to access control.