Remote Access Authentication Systems: Comparing Robustness | Exam Preparation Guide

Which Remote Access Authentication System is the Most Robust?

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Which of the following remote access authentication systems is the most robust?

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A. B. C. D.

A.

TACACS+ is a proprietary Cisco enhancement to TACACS and is more robust than RADIUS.

PAP is not a remote access authentication system but a remote node security protocol.

Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L.

& VINES, Russel.

D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 3: Telecommunications and Network Security (page 122).

The most robust remote access authentication system among the given options is TACACS+.

TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus) is a protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services for network devices. It offers extensive auditing capabilities, encryption of the entire authentication process, and granular access controls for both device management and network access.

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is another AAA protocol that provides authentication and accounting services. While it lacks the encryption capabilities of TACACS+, it is widely used due to its compatibility with a wide range of networking equipment and operating systems.

PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) is a simple authentication protocol that sends the username and password in plaintext over the network. This makes it vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping attacks, and it is not recommended for use in secure environments.

TACACS (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System) is an older version of the TACACS+ protocol. It is not as secure as TACACS+ and lacks some of the advanced features, such as encryption, that are necessary for secure authentication and authorization.

In summary, TACACS+ is the most robust option for remote access authentication due to its advanced security features and extensive auditing capabilities.