What is the primary goal of authentication?

• A. Verify the identity of the party
• B. Ensure data integrity
• C. Ensure confidentiality
• D. Ensure availability

Answer: (A)

Authentication is about proving who you are. It answers the question “Are you really who you claim to be?” by presenting credentials (like a password, a token, or a biometric) and having them verified. Once identity is confirmed, the system can apply authorization to grant appropriate access rights.

The other goals—data integrity, confidentiality, and availability—address different security concerns. Integrity ensures data hasn’t been altered in transit or storage, confidentiality protects information from being disclosed to unauthorized parties, and availability ensures systems and data are accessible when needed. They’re important, but they’re not what authentication is designed to establish.