What is the main purpose of authentication in cybersecurity?

The main purpose of authentication in cybersecurity is to verify user identity. Authentication is the process through which a system confirms that a user is who they claim to be before granting access to sensitive information or resources. This is typically achieved through methods such as passwords, biometrics, security tokens, or two-factor authentication. By ensuring that the individual attempting to access the system is indeed authorized, organizations can help protect their resources against unauthorized access and potential breaches.

While tracking user activity, authorizing access to resources, and preventing data loss are important aspects of cybersecurity, they are not the primary focus of the authentication process itself. Instead, these activities typically follow after successful authentication, as authenticated users can then be monitored, granted appropriate access levels, or prevented from actions that could lead to data loss based on their verified identity.