Network Defense Essentials (NDE) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main feature of the Kerberos protocol in network authentication is the client-server model with tickets. Kerberos operates by allowing clients to authenticate themselves to services via a trusted third party, known as the Key Distribution Center (KDC).

In this model, a user (the client) first requests a ticket from the KDC that proves their identity. This ticket then allows the client to access various services on the network without needing to provide their credentials repeatedly. The use of tickets enhances security by minimizing the exposure of passwords and providing a method of secure, encrypted communication across the network.

The design allows for mutual authentication, verifying not only the user's identity but also the service they are trying to access, which is vital for preventing unauthorized access and impersonation. This approach is inherently scalable, suitable for environments with numerous services and users, making Kerberos a robust choice for network authentication.