What is gssd?

gssd is a process for network login on your Mac.

What is gssd?

gssd is the GSS-API daemon (Generic Security Services). It handles login for network services that use this system, mainly Kerberos login for NFS file shares and other workplace network services.

When is it active?

gssd runs when your Mac needs to log in to network services using GSS-API. Common cases:

• Mounting NFS shares that use Kerberos
• Logging in to workplace services that need GSS-API
• Any network task that uses SPNEGO (a method for agreeing on login details)

On a Mac not connected to workplace networks, gssd is loaded but does nothing.

How does it relate to GSSCred?

GSSCred stores GSS-API login tokens (Kerberos tickets). gssd uses those tokens when logging in. Together they handle the full login flow.

Should you worry?

No. It is a normal macOS network login process, mainly useful in workplaces.

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