What authentication protocol utilizes a protected access credential for mutual authentication between devices?

EAP-FAST, which stands for Extensible Authentication Protocol-Flexible Authentication via Secure Tunneling, is designed to provide secure authentication for network access. It utilizes a Protected Access Credential (PAC) that enables mutual authentication between the client and the server, ensuring that both parties can verify each other's identities. This is particularly important in environments where secure communication is necessary, such as wireless networks.

The process begins with the client and server establishing a secure tunnel using the PAC. This protective measure helps prevent unauthorized access and eavesdropping during the authentication exchange. EAP-FAST is useful in scenarios where certificates may be difficult to manage, making it a practical choice for many organizations seeking to enhance their security while simplifying their authentication procedures.

Other protocols mentioned do not specifically utilize a PAC for mutual authentication. For example, 802.1x is an IEEE standard for network access control that employs different EAP methods but does not itself define the use of a PAC. Kerberos is a network authentication protocol that uses tickets rather than a PAC for validating identities between devices. Single Sign-On (SSO) is a user authentication process that allows access to multiple applications with one set of credentials, without involving a mutual authentication framework. Thus, the focus of E