What is a KDC?

KDC stands for Key Distribution Center. In the context of computer security, particularly with Kerberos authentication, a KDC is a server that issues and manages cryptographic keys for user authentication within a network. The KDC has two main components: the Authentication Server (AS) and the Ticket Granting Server (TGS). It helps ensure secure communication by distributing session keys and tickets, which allow users and services to authenticate without repeatedly sending passwords over the network.