DCE Security Service
A distributed computing environment brings with it new security requirements beyond those found in a nondistributed system. In a nondistributed system, the operating system can be trusted to protect resources from unauthorized access. This is not the case in open distributed systems, however. Communications take place over an accessible network, where messages between machines can be observed or forged. A new security system is required in order to control access to resources in a distributed environment. In DCE, resource protection is provided by the DCE Security Service or, alternatively, the Generic Security Service (GSS).
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What Is the DCE Security Service?
DCE Security Service Administration
The Generic Security Service API
The Public Key Certification API
Additional Information on DCE Security