Using KeyInfo in Ajax Applications

Developing a powerful application also requires an increase of security. Without security, the application will be for nothing since sensitive information would be open for attacks. This is a must for Ajax based applications since hacking this form of programming technique has been continuously proven to be easy even with the advancement of programming techniques. But security should not decrease the performance of the application. The security methods in developing an application should never go against the improved process of the application.

A good way to improve the security of the application without jeopardizing its performance is through a small function called KeyInfo. This form of function helps developers increase the security of data. This function will require security measures from the data extracted so that the application could identify if the data extracted is secured or from a trusted source.

Generally, filtering data and its source could be done through XML filtering but KeyInfo add security to the application since it will require more than just source and data type. Certain information from the data should be extracted by KeyInfo before being implemented in the application.

The use of KeyInfo could be differentiated through the additional elements:

• KeyResolve – this is the primary function of KeyInfo as previously stated. This element will extract the security data or even the public key so that it could be determined if the data is according to the expectations and security measures of the application. This function will become part of the process of validation. It could slow down certain functions such as data extraction but when properly used with KeyInfo, its performance will be optimized.

• toElement – toElement works immediately after KeyResolve. After the previous function has extracted the security information from the data, toElement will separate the security information from the data. The rest will be according to normal processes according to the developer’s specification. Compared toElement with KeyResolve, toElement should be strategically used since it will help KeyInfo in functioning better in terms of providing the data needed for the application.

Internal Key Elements

The security information required for KeyInfo is composed of internal key elements. These elements provide information such as the length of security data as well as the type of security data. Although the security codes could be as a simple password, it will certainly make a difference since it will provide an additional layer of security in the data.

Application of KeyInfo

The significance of KeyInfo could be realized in its application on XML security measures. KeyInfo could be found in prominent XML-based security protocols: XML Encryption and XML Signature.

The application of KeyInfo is more prominent in XML Encryption since it is directly part of the function of the said security measure. On the other hand, KeyInfo application in XML Signature is only found when the said security measure for XML takes a form of signature validation only which means KeyInfo might not be used in XML Signature. Since it can be integrated with XML developers would be able to increase the security of an Ajax based application without increasing the processing requirements.