1. In a networked computing environment, a method of securing access to an information resource behind a security barrier, the method comprising: predefining a request message specification corresponding to a structured request language including extensible markup language; formatting an access request in accordance with the structured request language; supplying the formatted access request to a first intermediary, the intermediary validating the formatted access request in accordance with the request message specification; and forwarding the validated access request across the security barrier.