Security domain
A security domain is an application or a set of applications that collectively rely on a shared security token for processes such as authentication, authorization, and session management. In essence, a security token is granted to a user following their active authentication using a user ID and password within the security domain. The token establishes a foundation of trust, enabling secure interactions across the applications within the defined security domain. More specifically, the Committee of National Security Systems in CNSSI 4009, defines a security domain as "A domain operating at a single security level that implements a security policy and is administered by a single authority."
A security domain is the determining factor in the classification of an enclave of servers/computers. A network with a different security domain is kept separate from other networks. For example, NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS, and NSANet are all kept separate.
Examples of a security domain include:
- All the web applications that trust a session cookie issued by a Web Access Management product
- All the Windows applications and services that trust a Kerberos ticket issued by Active Directory
More modern security architectures such as Zero Trust Architecture exclude the use of traditional security domains in favor of multistage authentication and authorization.