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SSCP · Question #545

Kerberos depends upon what encryption method?

The correct answer is B. Secret Key cryptography. Kerberos is an authentication protocol that relies on Secret Key (symmetric) cryptography. It uses a trusted third party called the Key Distribution Center (KDC), which shares a unique secret key with each registered principal (user or service). When a user authenticates, the…

Submitted by katya_ua· Apr 18, 2026Cryptography

Question

Kerberos depends upon what encryption method?

Options

  • APublic Key cryptography.
  • BSecret Key cryptography.
  • CEl Gamal cryptography.
  • DBlowfish cryptography.

How the community answered

(32 responses)
  • A
    3% (1)
  • B
    94% (30)
  • D
    3% (1)

Explanation

Kerberos is an authentication protocol that relies on Secret Key (symmetric) cryptography. It uses a trusted third party called the Key Distribution Center (KDC), which shares a unique secret key with each registered principal (user or service). When a user authenticates, the KDC issues encrypted tickets using these shared symmetric keys - no public/private key pairs are involved in the core protocol. Public Key cryptography (A) is used in PKINIT extensions to Kerberos, but the foundational design depends on symmetric secret keys. El Gamal (C) and Blowfish (D) are not part of Kerberos.

Topics

#Kerberos#Symmetric Encryption#Secret Key Cryptography#Authentication Protocols

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