What is the primary purpose of NTLM v2 in Windows security?

The primary purpose of NTLM v2 in Windows security is to provide stronger authentication than its predecessor, NTLM v1. NTLM v2 was developed to address the vulnerabilities and weaknesses found in the earlier version. It enhances security by implementing improvements such as stronger hash algorithms and increased message integrity and confidentiality.

With NTLM v2, the authentication process includes more robust mechanisms that help prevent various types of attacks, including replay attacks, which were a significant concern with NTLM v1. The use of better cryptographic algorithms and the ability to utilize longer keys results in a more secure authentication process, thus ensuring that user credentials are better protected during the authentication process.

In contrast, other options do not pertain to the core function of NTLM v2. While file encryption, data backup management, and remote desktop connections are important aspects of overall Windows security and functionality, they are not the primary focus of NTLM v2, which is specifically centered on ensuring secure authentication.