Which of the following security concepts is accomplished with the installation of a RADIUS server?
A. CIA
B. AAA
C. ACL
D. PEM
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. AAA.
Explanation:
RADIUS, which stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, is a protocol used for centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting. The security concept achieved with the installation of a RADIUS server is AAA, which stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting.
- Authentication refers to verifying the identity of a user or device before granting access to a network or system. When a user attempts to connect, the RADIUS server checks the credentials (such as username and password) against a database to ensure they are valid.
- Authorization determines what resources the authenticated user is allowed to access. After authentication, the RADIUS server checks the permissions associated with the user’s identity and grants access to specific services or resources based on the access policies.
- Accounting involves tracking the activities of users on the network, including the amount of time they are connected, the resources they use, and any actions they take. This data is important for auditing, billing, and troubleshooting.
By installing a RADIUS server, organizations can centrally manage user access, ensuring that all users are authenticated before accessing the network, authorized according to specific rules, and their activities are logged for monitoring and auditing.
This system enhances network security by making access control more consistent and enforceable across a network, which is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that only legitimate users can use certain network services. Therefore, AAA is the correct answer in this context, as RADIUS is specifically designed to fulfill these three functions.