Security overview

This collection of topics introduces the IBM® MQ security concepts.

Security concepts and mechanisms, as they apply to any computer system, are presented first, followed by a discussion of those security mechanisms as they are implemented in IBM MQ.

The commonly accepted aspects of security are as follows:

Identification and authentication
Authorization
Auditing
Confidentiality
Data integrity

Security mechanisms are technical tools and techniques that are used to implement security services. A mechanism might operate by itself, or with others, to provide a particular service. Examples of common security mechanisms are as follows:

Cryptography
Message digests and digital signatures
Digital certificates
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

When you are planning an IBM MQ implementation, consider which security mechanisms you require to implement those aspects of security that are important to you. For information about what to consider after you have read these topics, see Planning for your security requirements.