What is the main objective of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)?

The main objective of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) is to increase the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures. Enacted in response to several high-profile corporate scandals, SOX aims to protect investors by improving the integrity of financial reporting. The act imposes strict requirements on public companies regarding the accuracy of their financial statements and internal controls, thereby fostering transparency and accountability in corporate governance.

This focus on enhancing corporate disclosures helps ensure that stakeholders, including investors, have access to truthful and reliable information about a company's financial status. By enforcing these standards, SOX aims to prevent any fraudulent activities that could mislead investors or distort market integrity.

As for the other options, while data encryption, access restrictions, and effective authentication methods are important aspects of cybersecurity and data protection, they do not specifically address the primary objectives of SOX, which centers on financial transparency and accountability in corporate reporting.