Authentication

What is network level authentication (NLA)? Network Level Authentication (NLA) is a security feature in Remote Desktop Services (RDS) that provides an additional layer of authentication before a remote desktop session is established. It is available on Windows operating systems starting from Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. When a user tries to connect to…

How do passkeys work? Passkeys are an emerging technology aimed at enhancing security and convenience in digital authentication. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys leverage cryptographic techniques to provide a more secure and user-friendly authentication method. Here’s a detailed look at how passkeys work: 1. What Are Passkeys? Passkeys are a type of cryptographic key pair used…

What is 802.11ax? 802.11ax, commonly known as Wi-Fi 6, is the latest standard in wireless networking technology designed to improve the overall efficiency and capacity of Wi-Fi networks, especially in environments with a high density of connected devices. It succeeds the previous generation, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), with significant advancements in performance, efficiency, and capacity. Key…

What is a change of authorization (CoA) request? A Change of Authorization (CoA) request is a network protocol message used in the context of network access control and authentication systems. It is typically employed in scenarios where a user’s access privileges or attributes need to be modified during an active network session. CoA requests are…

What is Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)? The Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a protocol framework used in computer networks for authentication purposes. It provides a method for devices to establish mutual authentication and securely exchange credentials over a network. EAP is commonly used in wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi networks, to authenticate users and ensure…

What is an authentication server? An authentication server is a component or service that verifies the identity of users or devices attempting to access a system, network, or application. It plays a crucial role in the authentication process, which is the process of confirming the claimed identity of an entity (user, device, or service) before…

What is Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol? Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) is a communication protocol used for the enrollment and management of digital certificates in a public key infrastructure (PKI) environment. It provides a simplified and automated method for requesting, issuing, renewing, and revoking digital certificates. SCEP was originally developed by Cisco Systems and has…

What is a certificate revocation list? A Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is a mechanism used in the field of public key infrastructure (PKI) to check the validity and status of digital certificates. A digital certificate is a cryptographic document that binds an entity’s identity (such as a person, organization, or device) to a public key.…

What is EAP-TTLS? EAP-TTLS stands for Extensible Authentication Protocol-Tunneled Transport Layer Security. It is an authentication protocol used in computer networks to provide secure and encrypted authentication for wireless or wired network connections. EAP-TTLS is based on the EAP framework, which allows for various authentication methods to be used within the same protocol. EAP-TTLS was…

What is a certificate signing request? A certificate signing request (CSR) is a digital file that is generated by an entity or individual requesting a digital certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA). It is commonly used in the context of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, which are used to secure websites and establish encrypted communication.…

What is enrollment over secure transport? Enrollment over Secure Transport (EST) is a protocol used for securely obtaining digital certificates, which are often necessary for establishing secure communications, such as in SSL/TLS. Digital certificates are also instrumental in passwordless authentication for networks and applications.  EST is designed to facilitate the automated provisioning of client certificates…

What is a digital certificate? A digital certificate is an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key. It functions similarly to an identity card, providing information about the identity of the certificate holder and the issuing entity. Digital certificates are a fundamental component of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which supports various…