Final answer:
The method used by an administrator to encrypt the whole authentication process rather than just the password within an access control system is EAP-TLS. It provides robust security by using client and server certificates for mutual authentication in conjunction with a AAA server.
Step-by-step explanation:
Access Control System and AAA Encryption Method
An administrator who is working to secure authentication and authorization traffic would likely use a protocol provided by an access control system known as EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security). This protocol is utilized within networks that require a higher level of security and ensures that the entire authentication process is encrypted, not just the password. This method stands in contrast to older methods such as PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) or CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol), which only encrypt the password rather than the entire authentication conversation. EAP-TLS uses both a client certificate and a server certificate to facilitate a mutual authentication process, providing a secure channel between the AAA server (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) and the supplicant (the entity requesting access to the network).
Implementing EAP-TLS requires careful configuration and distribution of digital certificates to each client that will be connecting to the network. This enhances the overall security of the system by ensuring that not only the user's credentials but also the authentication process itself is protected against interception or tampering.