What is the primary function of Kerberos in network security?

The primary function of Kerberos in network security is to authenticate network users. Kerberos is a network authentication protocol designed to provide secure authentication for users and services within a network. It uses a system of tickets that allows entities to verify each other's identities securely without transmitting passwords over the network.

The authentication process in Kerberos involves a third-party authentication server that verifies a user’s credentials and issues a ticket granting ticket (TGT). This ticket allows users to request access to services without needing to re-enter their password, thereby reducing the risk of password interception. The focus on user authentication establishes a trust relationship between users and services, which is central to maintaining a secure computing environment.

While encrypting network traffic and preventing unauthorized access are important aspects of network security, these functions are not the primary purpose of Kerberos. Instead, they may be supported as secondary features or by other means within a broader security framework. Similarly, while Kerberos might indirectly contribute to password security by not exposing them during the authentication process, its main role does not include the direct storing or securing of passwords.