What is digest authentication in SAP BC-SEC - Security?

SAP Term: digest authentication

• Component: BC-SEC

• Component Name: Security

• Description: Process of identifying a person or system component using a cryptographic hash value to avoid sending the user ID and password in clear text.

Smart SAP Assistant

• Key Concepts: 
  Digest authentication is a type of authentication used in SAP systems to ensure secure communication between the client and the server. It is based on a challenge-response mechanism, where the server sends a challenge to the client, and the client must respond with a valid response in order to be authenticated. The response is generated using a cryptographic hash function, which ensures that the response is unique and cannot be guessed or forged.
  
  How to use it: 
  In order to use digest authentication, the client must first send an authentication request to the server. The server will then respond with a challenge, which must be answered by the client. The client must then generate a response using a cryptographic hash function, which is then sent back to the server. If the response is valid, then the client will be authenticated and allowed access to the system.
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When using digest authentication, it is important to ensure that the cryptographic hash function used is secure and up-to-date. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all communication between the client and server is encrypted in order to prevent any malicious actors from intercepting or tampering with the data.
  
  Related Information: 
  Digest authentication is part of SAP's BC-SEC Security component, which provides a comprehensive set of security features for SAP systems. Other features of BC-SEC Security include user authentication, authorization, encryption, and auditing.