Entity Authentication Using Public Key Cryptography

This standard specifies two challenge-response protocols by which entities in a computer system may authenticate their identities to one another. These may be used during session initiation, and at any other time that entity authentication is necessary. Depending on which protocol is implemented, either one or both entities involved may be authenticated. The defined protocols are derived from an international standard for entity authentication based on public key cryptography, which uses digital signatures and random number challenges.