Strong Authentication > Introduction

This section is intended for scientists, computer professionals, other technical professionals, and the curious. It introduces the Kerberos-based computer security system at Fermilab, and briefly describes how it works.

The explosive growth over the past several years in computing hardware, network connectivity, and software has led to a tremendous increase in the pool of participants on the Internet. This in turn has led to a need for increased computer security. Fermilab has implemented a computer security system that exercises tight control over who uses the lab's computers and network. The computer access methods used at the lab involve a concept known as "strong authentication".

"Authentication" refers to verifying the identities of networked users, clients and servers. "Strong" authentication is a means of verifying these identities without transmitting passwords over the network, and without requiring that the network be protected.

To go to the manual, click here: Strong Authentication at Fermilab.

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