Kerberos
Kerberos is a network authentication protocol that provides strong authentication for client-server applications using secret-key cryptography. It enables secure authentication over non-secure networks by issuing tickets to users and services, preventing passwords from being transmitted in plaintext. Developed at MIT, it is widely used in enterprise environments, particularly with Microsoft Active Directory.
Developers should learn Kerberos when building or maintaining systems that require secure, centralized authentication in distributed environments, such as corporate networks, cloud services, or multi-tier applications. It is essential for implementing single sign-on (SSO) solutions, securing Hadoop clusters, and integrating with Microsoft Windows domains, as it reduces password exposure and simplifies user management.