A

Abstract Syntax Notation One

(ASN.1) A method used to specify abstract objects that are intended for serial transmission.

ASN.1 is defined in CCITT Recommendation X.208.

access block

A key blob that contains the key of the symmetric cipher used to encrypt a file or message.

The access block can only be opened with a private key.

ALG_CLASS_HASH

The CryptoAPI algorithm class for hashing algorithms.

Typical hashing algorithms include MD2, MD5, SHA-1, and MAC.

ALG_CLASS_DATA_ENCRYPT

The CryptoAPI algorithm class for data encryption algorithms.

Typical data encryption algorithms include RC2 and RC4.

ALG_CLASS_KEY_EXCHANGE

The CryptoAPI algorithm class for key exchange algorithms.

A typical key exchange algorithm is RSA_KEYX.

ALG_CLASS_SIGNATURE

The CryptoAPI algorithm class for signature algorithms.

A typical digital signature algorithm is RSA_SIGN.

application protocol

A protocol that normally resides on top of the transport layer. For example, HTTP, TELNET, FTP, and SMTP are all application protocols.

ASN.1

See Abstract Syntax Notation One.

asymmetric algorithm

See public-key algorithm.

attribute

An element of a relative distinguished name (RDN). Some typical attributes include common name, surname, e-mail address, street address, and country name.

With respect to the CryptoAPI, each attribute is defined by a CERT_RDN_ATTR structure.

attribute blob

An encoded representation of the attribute information stored in a certificate request.

authenticate

To determine the identity of the entity that signed a message (entity authentication), or to verify that a message was not altered (data authentication).