Development of authentication protocols: some misconceptions and a new approach

Various published authentication protocols that employ symmetric cryptographic algorithms are examined. A number of misconceptions found in the specification, design and implementation of these protocols are revealed. Some misconceptions are considered responsible for definite security flaws, while others are shown to cause weaknesses which may help in attacks on the cryptographic mechanisms. We identify an underlying problem and attempt a remedy by developing a methodology for the development of secure and strong authentication protocols