How to Use Digest Authentication

Digest Authentication uses the Internet Information Services (IIS) platform. IIS is a series of Internet Web servers and feature extensions for Microsoft Windows. You can configure Digest Authentication by enabling the module. After the module is enabled, it will provide enhanced encryption and prevent common server attacks.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and then the "Control Panel" link.

2. Click the "Programs" heading and then the "Turn Windows features on and off" link. The Windows Features dialog box will appear on your screen.

3. Click the "+" icon under "Internet Information Services," "World Wide Web Services" and "Security" to expand those sections.

4. Click the "Digest Authentication" check box and then the "OK" button. Windows applies the changes and may ask you to restart.

Tips & Warnings

• Digest Authentication is not as popular as Basic Authentication.

References

• Microsoft Support: Setting Up Digest Authentication for Use with Internet Information Services 5.0
• IIS: Digest Authentication <digestAuthentication>
• Advosys consulting: HTTP digest authentication

Resources

• Microsoft Support: How to configure Internet Information Services Web authentication in Windows 2000
• Microsoft TechNet: Security Guidance for IIS