Authentication Types

The authentication type specifies from where the authentication process will be initiated. The authentication type is specified by appending the appropriate parameter to a login URL, or through the authentication API. OpenSSO Enterprise supports the following authentication types:

• Authentication level allows authentication based on a security level defined for each authentication module by an administrator.

• Module allows authentication by specifying an authentication module instance.

• Realm allows authentication using the authentication process defined for a specific realm.

• Service allows authentication using the authentication process defined for a specific service or application.

• User allows a user to authenticate using the authentication process defined in the user's profile.

For each of these authentication types, the user can either pass or fail the defined authentication process (either a module or a chain). For more information, see Initiating the Authentication Type. For more information on specifying an authentication type, see Accessing the Authentication Service User Interface with a Login URL.