What is a Password Authentication Protocol(PAP)?
Password authentication protocol(PAP), is an authentication technique that verifies using passwords. It is a password-based authentication protocol that conforms to the Internet standard. PAP does not encrypt data in any way. It is sent to the authentication server in plain text. PAP authenticates users based on their supplied username and password through a two-way handshake.
Features of PAP
- It is noninteractive
- PAP is straightforward to implement and understand
- It uses a two-way handshake protocol
- All network operating systems support PAP
- The password is sent in cleartext
- PAP is relatively easy to configure
- PAP supports both one-way authentication and two-way authentication
- It is widely supported in various networking and telecommunication technologies
- PAP allows the server to verify the client's password directly
- PAP provides a basic level of authentication
Advantages of Password Authentication Protocol
Disadvantages of Password Authentication Protocol
- It may become complicated when users are asked to generate complex passwords that must meet certain specifications like a minimum length, and special character numerals.
- It only uses a static password and offers no defense against brute force attacks, in which an attacker tries a variety of passwords until they find the right one.
- The fact that PAP does not encrypt the username and password during transmission is one of its greatest weaknesses.
- PAP is not suggested for use over untrusted networks, like the open internet, because of its security flaws.
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