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From password to key: How does this password verification method protect against hackers?
With the increasing number of network security threats, the effectiveness of password protection systems has become a critical issue. In this context, Password Authentication Key Protocol (PAK) emerged as the times require, through which users can create secure encryption keys without relying on strong passwords. The core principle of this technology is that neither a malicious eavesdropper nor a man-in-the-middle can gain enough information from the interaction to crack the password used, allowing even weak passwords to remain highly secure.
Password Authentication Key Protocol (PAK) can help users maintain confidentiality during communication and resist hacker threats.
Type of PAK method
Password verification key protocols usually include the following methods:
- Balanced password verification key exchange
- Enhanced Password Authentication Key Exchange
- Password verification key retrieval
- Multi-server approach
- Multiple methods
In the strictest security model, users do not need to remember any confidential or public data, only their passwords. Password Authentication Key Exchange (PAKE) is an encryption key establishment method based on a shared password that prevents unauthorized third parties from participating.
BALANCE PAKE
Balanced PAKE usually applies to client-client or client-server scenarios. Examples of this approach include:
- Encryption Key Exchange (EKE)
- Simple Cryptozoological Exponential Key Exchange (SPEKE)
- Dragonfly (IEEE Std 802.11-2012)
- J-PAKE (Password Authentication Key Exchange through Play)
This method is designed so that even if the password is violently cracked, the information will not be easily stolen.
Enhanced PAKE
Enhanced PAKE is primarily used in client-server scenarios where the server does not store data equivalent to the password. This means that even if an attacker steals server data, they cannot impersonate a client unless they brute force it first.
Some enhanced PAKE systems use a blind random function to mix the user's password with the server's secret salt, ensuring that the user does not obtain the server's secret salt, and the server cannot learn the user's password.
Password verification key retrieval
Password verification key retrieval is the process in which the client obtains a static key during password-based negotiation with the server. This improves security while also protecting the user's actual password.
Development History
The earliest successful cryptographically authenticated key agreement method was the encryption key exchange method described by Steven M. Bellovin and Michael Merritt in 1992. While some of the early methods had flaws, later improved versions still proved their effectiveness.
After decades of development, there are currently a variety of implementation methods that can be applied to various network security scenarios.
The process of selecting the PAKE method
In 2018 and 2019, the IETF, composed of many experts from around the world, conducted the PAKE selection process and finally selected two recommended methods: CPace and OPAQUE.
These protocols not only beautify the traditional password protection mechanism, but also optimize the user experience, thereby improving overall security.
Conclusion
With the continuous advancement of password verification key exchange technology, can more efficient protection be achieved in network security in the future?
