authentication ticket or ticket-granting ticket (TGT)
An authentication ticket, also known as a ticket-granting ticket (TGT), is a small amount of
encrypted data that is issued by a server in the Kerberos authentication
model to begin the authentication process. When the client receives an authentication ticket, the
client
sends the ticket back to the server along with
additional information verifying the client's identity. The server then issues a service ticket and
a session
key (which includes a form of password),
completing the authorization process for that session.
In the Kerberos model, all tickets are time-stamped and have limited lifetimes. This minimizes
the danger that hackers will be able to steal or crack the encrypted data and use it to compromise
the system. Ideally, no authentication ticket remains valid for longer than the time an expert
hacker would need to crack the encryption. Authentication tickets are session-specific, further
improving the security of the system by ensuring that no authentication ticket remains valid after
a given session is complete.
Kerberos is a method developed in the Athena Project at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) for authenticating requests for service in computer networks.
This was last updated in September 2005
Premium Access
Register now for unlimited access to our premium content across our network of over 70 information Technology web sites.
By submitting you agree to receive email from TechTarget and its partners. If you reside outside of the United States, you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States.
Privacy
Dig Deeper
-
SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com’s tutorials provide IT professionals with the latest information on implementing, managing and securing Microsoft Windows desktops including Windows Vista, Windows XP, desktop security, desktop virtualization, terminal services, application streaming, software as a service and more.
-
Microsoft's User State Migration Tool does have limitations. See what it can and can't do.
-
Now that Microsoft has stopped selling Windows XP, many companies are considering whether or not to upgrade to Windows Vista. While Vista is not without its problems, many of the operating system's migration horror stories are exaggerated. Several problems can be avoided simply by following a few best practices throughout the migration process.
-
People who read this also read...
-
Resources from around the Web