What is the primary function of authentication in the ForgeRock framework?

The primary function of authentication in the ForgeRock framework is to verify user identity. This process involves confirming that a user is who they claim to be, typically through credentials such as usernames and passwords, biometrics, or other verification methods. Authentication is a critical gateway to ensuring that only authorized users can access restricted resources, services, and applications within the ForgeRock ecosystem.

Strong authentication mechanisms play a significant role in security, as they help protect against unauthorized access and potential breaches. Once a user's identity is verified, subsequent processes like authorization can take place, which determines what resources the authenticated user can access based on their permissions or roles. This makes authentication foundational to any identity and access management system such as ForgeRock.