Remote authentication is defined as occurring at a centralized authentication server.
This is the only practical solution to systems where a large number of users need to be authenticated, or where the authentication data needs to be more secure than a workstation or client terminal, and it is the only way to insure maximum security in the authentication process. This is because the authentication data is stored on the server and is not available to the outside world except through controlled access methods. Strong user authentication systems rely on a centralized authentication server for these reasons. Secure authentication, even over unencrypted connections. Protection of the user's biometric data.