Securing Web services for V5.x applications using identity assertion authentication

With the identity assertion authentication method, the security token generates a wsse: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.

There is an important distinction between Version 5.x and V6.0.x and later applications. The information in this article supports V5.x applications only that are used with WebSphere Application Server V6.0.x and later. The information does not apply to V6.0.x and later applications. WebSphere Application Server provides several different methods to secure your Web services. Identity assertion authentication 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

Overview

Procedure

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

Results

Related concepts

Related tasks