How does authentication protect against fraudulent transmissions?

Authentication plays a foundational role in preventing fraudulent transmissions by confirming the identity of the parties involved in a transaction. When a system employs strong authentication methods, it ensures that the individual or entity initiating a transaction is indeed who they claim to be. This is crucial in reducing the risk of fraud, as it prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive transaction processes.

By verifying the legitimacy of the originator, authentication establishes trust between the parties. This can involve various methods, such as passwords, biometric data, or multifactor authentication, which add layers of security that are difficult for potential fraudsters to bypass. Once the originator's identity is confirmed, the likelihood of fraudulent activities decreases significantly, as unauthorized access becomes much more challenging.

The other options do not directly relate to the primary role of authentication. Expediting transaction approvals can enhance the user experience but does not focus on security. Providing discounts on transactions is a marketing or incentivization strategy unrelated to authentication measures. Limiting transaction amounts is a risk management technique but does not fundamentally address the problem of ensuring that the originator is legitimate.