Kerberos, LM-NTLM-NTLM2 are authentication protocols used in Microsoft Windows. They are used to verify the identity of a user or computer before they are allowed to access a network resource.
- Kerberos is the most secure protocol and is the default authentication protocol for Active Directory domains. It uses strong encryption to protect user passwords and credentials.
- LM is the oldest protocol and is the least secure. It uses a weak encryption algorithm that can be easily cracked by attackers.
- NTLM is a newer protocol that is more secure than LM. It uses a stronger encryption algorithm, but it is still not as secure as Kerberos.
- NTLMv2 is the newest protocol and is the most secure of the four. It uses a stronger encryption algorithm than NTLM and includes additional security features to protect against attack.
It is important to use the most secure protocol possible when authenticating users and computers. Kerberos is the most secure protocol, but it may not be available in all environments. In these cases, NTLM or NTLMv2 should be used. LM should only be used if no other options are available.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the four protocols:
| Protocol | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kerberos | Most secure | Strong encryption, additional security features |
| LM | Least secure | Weak encryption |
| NTLM | More secure than LM | Stronger encryption |
| NTLMv2 | Most secure of the four | Strongest encryption, additional security features |
It is important to note that all of these protocols are susceptible to attack if passwords are weak or easily guessed. It is important to use strong passwords and to change them regularly to protect against attack.