[Version 5 only]WebSphere Application Server - Express, Version 6.0.x     Operating Systems: AIX, HP-UX, Linux, Solaris, Windows

Securing Web services for version 5.x applications using identity assertion authentication

Before you begin

Important distinction between Version 5.x and Version 6.0.x applications
Note: The information in this article supports version 5.x applications only that are used with WebSphere Application Server Version 6. The information does not apply to version 6.0.x applications.
WebSphere Application Server provides several different methods to secure your Web services. Extensible Markup Language (XML) digital signature is one of these methods. You might also secure your Web services using any of the following methods:
  • XML digital signature
  • XML encryption
  • Basicauth authentication
  • Identity assertion authentication
  • Signature authentication
  • Pluggable token

Why and when to perform this task

With the identity assertion authentication method, the security token generates a <wsee:Username Token> element that contains a <wsse:Username> element. On the request sender side, a callback handler is invoked to generate the security token. On the request receiver side, the security token is validated. Unlike basicauth authentication, trust is established through the use of a security token rather than through user name and password validation. To use identity assertion authentication to secure Web services, complete the following tasks:

Steps for this task

  1. Secure the client for identity assertion authentication.
    1. Configuring the client for identity assertion: specifying the method
    2. Configuring the client for identity assertion: collecting the authentication method
  2. Secure the server for identity assertion authentication.
    1. Configuring the server to handle identity assertion authentication
    2. Configuring the server to validate identity assertion authentication information

Result

After completing these steps, you have secured your Web services using identity assertion authentication.



Sub-topics
Configuring the client for identity assertion: specifying the method
Configuring the client for identity assertion: collecting the authentication method
Configuring the server to handle identity assertion authentication
Configuring the server to validate identity assertion authentication information

Related concepts
Identity assertion authentication method
Security token

Related tasks
Securing Web services for version 5.x applications based on WS-Security

Task topic    

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Last updated: Jun 8, 2005 12:45:23 PM EDT
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