Secure Web services for V5.x applications using identity assertion authentication
With the identity assertion authentication method, the security token generates a <wsse:UsernameToken> 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 V 5.x and V6.0.x and later applications. The information in this article supports V5.x applications only that are used with WAS V6.0.x and later. The information does not apply to V 6.0.x and later applications. WAS provides several different methods to secure the Web services. Identity assertion authentication is one of these methods. We might also secure the Web services using any of the following methods:
- XML digital signature
- XML encryption
- BasicAuth authentication
- Identity assertion authentication
- Signature authentication
- Pluggable token
To use identity assertion authentication to secure Web services, complete the following tasks:
- Secure the client for identity assertion authentication.
- Set the client for identity assertion: specifying the method
- Set the client for identity assertion: collecting the authentication method
- Secure the server for identity assertion authentication.
- Set the server to handle identity assertion authentication
- Set the server to validate identity assertion authentication information
Results
After completing these steps, we have secured the Web services by using identity assertion authentication.
Set the client for identity assertion: specifying the method
Set the client for identity assertion: collecting the authentication method
Set the server to handle identity assertion authentication
Set the server to validate identity assertion authentication information
Related concepts
Identity assertion authentication method
Security token
Related tasks
Secure Web services for V5.x applications based on WS-Security