What are the security differences between SOAP and REST?

What are the security differences between SOAP and REST?

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) has built-in security features like WS-Security, which provides message integrity and confidentiality. REST (Representational State Transfer), on the other hand, relies on HTTPS for security and does not have a standardized security protocol.

Can you explain WS-Security in more detail?

WS-Security is a specification that provides a means for applying security to web services. It includes features like message integrity, confidentiality, and authentication through the use of XML signatures and encryption.

How does REST handle authentication?

REST typically uses token-based authentication methods like OAuth, where a token is issued to the client after successful login, allowing access to resources without sending credentials repeatedly.

Which one is more secure, SOAP or REST?

It depends on the use case. SOAP can be more secure due to its built-in features, but REST can be secure enough when implemented with HTTPS and proper authentication mechanisms.