Authentication protocols ensure that users are who they say they are, and this episode covers three of the most important ones for the A Plus exam. We begin with RADIUS—Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service—and explain how it centralizes authentication for wireless and VPN access. Next, we look at TACACS Plus, a Cisco-designed protocol that separates authentication, authorization, and accounting into distinct processes.

Finally, we introduce Kerberos, a ticket-based authentication system used in Windows domains, and explain how it improves security over password-only systems. These protocols may seem abstract, but CompTIA expects you to recognize them by function, use case, and system type. This episode equips you with a solid understanding of when and why each protocol is used. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.