NTLM (NT LAN Manager)

NTLM (NT LAN Manager) is a security protocol used in Windows networks to authenticate users and ensure their identity. When you log in, NTLM verifies your credentials—like your username and password—by generating encrypted responses that confirm you are authorized to access resources. It works through a challenge-response process, where the system challenges the user to prove their identity without directly sending sensitive passwords over the network. While it has been widely used, NTLM is considered less secure than newer protocols like Kerberos, which offer stronger protections against modern cyber threats.