The DoD standard for authentication is DoD-approved PKI certificates.
Normally, with PKI authentication, the interaction with the user for authentication will be handled by a software component separate from the DBMS, such as ActivIdentity ActivClient. However, in cases where the DBMS controls the interaction, this requirement applies.
To prevent the compromise of authentication information such as passwords and PINs during the authentication process, the feedback from the system must not provide any information that would allow an unauthorized user to compromise the authentication mechanism.
Obfuscation of user-provided authentication secrets when typed into the system is a method used in addressing this risk.
Displaying asterisks when a user types in a password or a smart card PIN is an example of obscuring feedback of authentication secrets. |