Securing web services for Version 5.x applications using basic authentication

With the basic authentication (BasicAuth) authentication method, the request sender generates a BasicAuth security token using a callback handler. The request receiver retrieves the BasicAuth security token from the SOAP message and validates it using a Java™ Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS) login module. Trust is established by using user name and password validation.

About this task

Important: There is an important distinction between Version 5.x and Version 6.0.x and later applications. The information supports Version 5.x applications only that are used with WebSphere® Application Server Version 6.0.x and later. The information does not apply to Version 6.0.x and later applications.
WebSphere Application Server provides several different methods to secure your web services. BasicAuth 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

To use BasicAuth authentication to secure web services, complete the following tasks:

Procedure

  1. Secure the client for BasicAuth authentication.
    1. Configure the client for basic authentication: specifying the method
    2. Configure the client for basic authentication: collecting the authentication information
  2. Secure the server for BasicAuth authentication.
    1. Configure the server to handle basic authentication
    2. Configure the server to validate basic authentication information

Results

After completing these steps, you have secured your web services using BasicAuth authentication.