Introduction to Authentication Protocols¶
What is an authentication protocol?¶
A protocol is a set of pre-defined rules used when two or more parties communicate with each other. An authentication protocol is a type of computer communications protocol that is designed to transfer authentication data between two or more entities.
Password authentication protocol¶
This is one of the oldest protocols used for authentication. When using this protocol, authentication happens using the typical username and password approach. Although this approach is simple to use and deploy, it has some security considerations. If a malicious user is able to guess or obtain the password of a legitimate user, he/she will be able to access the system.
As a solution for the security issues raised for the typical password authentication protocol, advanced authentication protocols came into play in order to securely transmit authentication data between entities.