Kerberos is an authentication protocol used to verify the identities of principals, such as users, hosts and servers, over an unprotected network. A Kerberos KDC (Key Distribution Center) acts as trusted third party, and provides an authentication service based on shared secret cryptography.
The Kerberos Network Authentication Service (V5)
Encryption and Checksum Specifications for Kerberos 5
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) Encryption for Kerberos 5