How Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) Works: A Comprehensive Overview

Discover how Password Authentication Protocol transmits credentials and why it's considered insecure.

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Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) works by transmitting usernames and passwords over a network in a plain text format for verification by a server. Upon connection, the client sends the credentials to the server, which then verifies the information against its stored password database. If the credentials match, access is granted; otherwise, it is denied. Note that PAP is considered insecure due to its lack of encryption.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)? PAP is a simple protocol that transmits username and password for user authentication without encryption.
  2. Why is PAP considered insecure? PAP is insecure because it transmits credentials in plain text, which can be intercepted during transmission.
  3. What are alternatives to Password Authentication Protocol? Alternatives to PAP include protocols like CHAP, EAP, and SAML, which provide enhanced security through encryption.
  4. How does server verification work in PAP? In PAP, after a client sends credentials to the server, the server checks them against its stored database and grants or denies access accordingly.