What is the difference between NTLMv2 and Kerberos?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on February 24, 2026
The main difference between NTLM and Kerberos is in how the two protocols manage authentication. NTLM relies on a three-way handshake between the client and server to authenticate a user. Kerberos uses a two-part process that leverages a ticket granting service or key distribution center.