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Introduction To Authentication Protocols

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Umesh Sah
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4 views

Introduction To Authentication Protocols

Uploaded by

Umesh Sah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to

Authentication
Protocols
Authentication protocols are essential for secure communication and
access control. They verify user identities and ensure data integrity.
What is PAP (Password Authentication Protocol)?

Password Exchange
1 User sends credentials to server.

Authentication
2
Server verifies password.

Access Granted
3
If valid, access is granted.

PAP is a simple and widely-used authentication protocol, commonly found in older network devices. It operates by transmitting user
credentials, typically a username and password, in plain text, over the network.
How does PAP work?
Credentials Exchange
The client, usually a network device or computer, sends the username and password to the server in plain text.

Server Verification
The server checks the received credentials against its database of authorized users.

Authentication Outcome
If the credentials match, the server grants access to the network resources. If they don't, it denies access.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PAP
Simplicity Wide Compatibility
PAP is easy to implement and configure, making it It is widely supported by various network devices and
suitable for smaller networks and devices with limited operating systems.
processing power.

Security Concerns Lack of Authentication Strength


Transmitting credentials in plain text makes PAP It offers minimal protection against unauthorized access
vulnerable to eavesdropping and interception, and does not provide strong authentication features like
compromising user security. encryption or challenge-response mechanisms.
What is CHAP (Challenge Handshake
Authentication Protocol)?

1 Challenge Exchange
The server sends a random challenge to the client. It's like a secret question.

2 Response Generation
The client uses a secret key and the challenge to generate a response.

3 Verification
The server verifies the response, ensuring the client has the correct secret key.
How does CHAP work?
Challenge Exchange
1
The server sends a random challenge to the client.

Response Generation
2
The client uses a secret key and the challenge to generate a response.

Verification
3 The server verifies the response, ensuring the client has the
correct secret key.

This process ensures that the client is who they claim to be. If the client doesn't provide the correct response, access is denied. This protocol
is more secure than PAP because it uses a challenge-response mechanism, making it harder for attackers to eavesdrop on the conversation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CHAP

Enhanced Security Stronger Performance Implementation


Authentication Overhead Complexity
CHAP is more secure than It provides a more robust The extra verification steps Implementing and
PAP due to its challenge- authentication process, in CHAP can introduce configuring CHAP can be
response mechanism, ensuring the client is who some performance more complex than PAP,
making it more resistant to they claim to be through overhead, which might be requiring additional setup
eavesdropping and the challenge-response noticeable on networks and configuration steps.
password guessing. exchange. with limited bandwidth.
Comparison between PAP and CHAP
PAP CHAP

Simple and widely used. More secure than PAP.

Transmits credentials in plain text. Uses a challenge-response mechanism.

Vulnerable to eavesdropping and interception. Encrypts credentials, making it harder to intercept.


Use Cases for PAP and CHAP

Legacy Networks Secure Data Transfers IoT Applications


PAP is suitable for older network CHAP's stronger authentication CHAP is essential for IoT networks,
devices, particularly those with limited protects sensitive data transfers, like where multiple devices require secure
processing power and bandwidth. financial transactions, medical records, authentication and access control.
or confidential communications.
Conclusion and
Key Takeaways
PAP and CHAP are important authentication protocols for securing
network access.

PAP is simpler but less secure, while CHAP provides enhanced


protection against attacks.

Choose the appropriate protocol based on your network's needs and


security requirements.

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