Server Message Block (SMB)
See also Azure File, Azure File Sync, Windows Server
TLDR: The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, introduced in 1983 by IBM, facilitates shared access to files, printers, and other resources on a network. It operates as an application-layer protocol over TCP/IP and allows multiple users to access shared resources concurrently while supporting authentication and message signing for improved security. SMB is widely used in Windows networking environments and has undergone significant updates, with modern versions like SMB 3.1.1 introduced in 2015 enhancing encryption and performance for contemporary enterprise needs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_Message_Block
The SMB protocol enables seamless interaction between clients and servers by providing a set of commands for operations like file opening, reading, and writing. It also supports advanced features like opportunistic locking to improve efficiency in file-sharing scenarios. The CIFS (Common Internet File System) implementation of SMB expanded its usage to non-Windows platforms in the 1990s, although newer SMB versions have since replaced CIFS. Integration with Active Directory and support for Kerberos authentication in modern versions make SMB an integral part of secure and efficient enterprise networking.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/file-server/smb-overview
One of the critical advancements in SMB is its enhanced security capabilities, such as end-to-end encryption introduced in SMB 3.0. This feature ensures data confidentiality over untrusted networks. Additionally, SMB supports multi-channel communication to utilize multiple network interfaces for better throughput and reliability. Despite its robust features, SMB has been a target for vulnerabilities like EternalBlue, emphasizing the need for up-to-date configurations and adherence to best practices to mitigate risks in modern network environments.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/file-server/file-server-overview