Authentication Dial-Up Networking Services (RADIUS) is a client-server architecture that verifies remote user identity. It allows authorized user profiles to be hosted on a home server, and if credentials are valid, access is granted. After three failed login attempts, the user file is blocked. RADIUS ensures secure remote access to databases and key servers for employees and customers.
Authentication Dial-Up Networking Services is an example of a client-server architecture that uses software with a specific set of packaged protocols. The function of the dial server in remote authentication is to allow remote servers to communicate with a central or “home” server and verify the identity of remote users attempting to log in. In essence, this makes the remote authentication service dial into one of the most common approaches to maintaining server security.
Sometimes referred to as RADIUS or remote authentication dial-in user services, this protocol allows you to create and host an inventory of authorized user profiles in a database that resides on your home server. Each time there is an attempt to access the central server, the software will compare the data on file with the credentials used to initiate access. If the software can identify the credentials as current and active, the connection is allowed and the user is free to access any file or database on the server covered by user permissions. If the software is unable to verify the validity of the credentials, access is denied and communication terminated.
Typically, an authenticating dial-up service will allow the user to make three login attempts using the same or similar credentials. That is, the user can enter the username three times while trying different passwords. However, once three attempts have been made, the user file is usually blocked from further use until a system administrator intervenes. This security feature helps ensure that even if an unauthorized person is able to obtain a valid username, they will still not be able to log in unless the correct password is entered.
In a world where identity theft has become more common, the authentication function of a dial-up service has become increasingly necessary. In addition to remote access to databases and key servers by employees, many service-based businesses also use dial-in service for remote authentication for customer access. The protocols inherent in the authentication dial-up service help ensure that customers in remote locations are able to access their account information securely and with complete confidence that their proprietary information will not be compromised.
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