Why Strong Authentication for Directory?

Overview

LDAP and the X.500 directory protocols can all use strong authentication based on X.509 PKI (Public Key Infrastructure). This paper looks at the benefits and issues in using strong authentication for directory. It considers security threats to directory and looks at how strong authentication can be used to address these threats. It also looks at administrative benefits and drawbacks. This paper argues that strong authentication should used wherever possible for server to server communication, and for administrator access.