What is the main purpose of authentication?

The main purpose of authentication is to verify the identity of an individual or system. This process is crucial in establishing trust and ensuring that the entity requesting access to a system or resource is indeed who they claim to be. By confirming identities through various means—such as passwords, biometrics, or security tokens—authentication acts as the first line of defense against unauthorized access, protecting sensitive information and resources from potential breaches.

In the context of software security and the software development lifecycle, effective authentication mechanisms are essential for securing systems and ensuring that only authorized users can perform actions or access data appropriate to their role. This foundational step helps in building a robust security posture for applications and systems.