The X/Open XDS specifications do not define a security interface because this can put constraints on security features of existing directory implementations.
DCE GDS provides an extension to the XDS API for security support. This is achieved at the XDS API level through a new DSX_C_GDS_SESSION session object which contains information on the security mechanism that should be used. Simple authentication through the use of name and password, and external authentication based on DCE security are supported. (See GDS Package for additional information.)