1.2. Comparison of certificates and Kerberos
Certificates perform a similar function to that performed by Kerberos tickets. Kerberos is a computer network authentication protocol that works on the basis of tickets to allow nodes communicating over a non-secure network to prove their identity to one another in a secure manner. The following table shows a comparison of Kerberos and X.509 certificates:
| Characteristic | Kerberos | X.509 |
|
| Yes | Yes |
|
| Optional | Yes |
|
| Optional | Yes |
|
| Symmetrical | Asymmetrical |
|
| Short (1 day) | Long(2 years) |
By default, Kerberos in Identity Management only ensures the identity of the communicating parties.