The principal objective of Authentication is to?

The principal objective of authentication is to verify users' identities. When a user attempts to access a system or resource, authentication ensures that they are who they claim to be. This process typically involves a username and password combination, but it can also include more advanced methods such as biometric verification, security tokens, or multi-factor authentication.

By establishing the identity of users, systems can ensure that access is granted only to authorized individuals, which is crucial for maintaining security and protecting sensitive information. Without proper authentication, unauthorized users could gain access to resources, leading to potential security breaches and data tampering.

While preventing data leaks, encrypting sensitive information, and controlling network access are all important aspects of a comprehensive security strategy, they are secondary to the fundamental requirement of verifying users' identities before access is granted. Authentication acts as the first line of defense in securing systems and data.