What is the first step in the Kerberos logon process?

In the Kerberos logon process, the first step involves the user typing a username and password. This action is critical as it allows the user to initiate the authentication process with the Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC).

When the user enters their credentials, the system takes this input to form an initial request for a Ticket Granting Ticket (TGT). The username and password are used to create a hash or an authentication token that will be sent to the KDC for verification. If the credentials are correct, the KDC issues a TGT, allowing the user to access various services on the network without needing to re-enter their credentials repeatedly.

Understanding this first step is fundamental, as it lays the foundation for the rest of the authentication flow in the Kerberos authentication protocol, leading to the eventual issuance of session tickets that enable secure access to network resources. Each following step relies on the initial validation of the user's identity through their input of a username and password.