Vanguard Authenticator

The architecture of Vanguard Authenticator consists of several key components designed for high availability and scalability. The Authentication Server is the central component, handling all authentication requests. It communicates with the RACF Interface, which interacts with the RACF database to validate user credentials.

The Audit Logger records all security-related events, providing detailed audit trails. The system uses a multi-tiered architecture, with the Authentication Server and RACF Interface residing on the z/OS platform. Communication between components occurs over TCP/IP, with HTTPS used for secure communication.

The system supports various authentication methods, including password-based authentication and multi-factor authentication. The configuration parameters are stored in the RACF database and a dedicated configuration file. The system uses encryption to protect sensitive data during transmission and storage.

The administrative interface is primarily a command-line interface (CLI), allowing administrators to manage users, configure authentication methods, and monitor system performance. The system integrates with existing security infrastructure and provides a centralized authentication solution.