Features of a Security Mechanism

A properly implemented security mechanism will provide the following functionality:

• Prevent unauthorized access to application functions and business or personal data (authentication)

• Hold system users accountable for operations they perform (non-repudiation)

• Protect a system from service interruptions and other breaches that affect quality of service

Ideally, properly implemented security mechanisms will also be

• Easy to administer

• Transparent to system users

• Interoperable across application and enterprise boundaries