Java Security (Java Series)

Designed for experienced Java programmers, a comprehensive guide to Java security programming shows readers how to use class loaders, security managers, digital signatures, and other capabilities to create and enforce their own security policies. (Advanced).

Scott Oakes' Java Security is extraordinary both for its technical depth and its readability. It provides the Java programmer with a complete overview of the Java security architecture and security classes, plus a wealth of detailed information and code examples for specific implementations. The book opens with a clear discussion of what Java security is, how the various Java sandbox models work, and how Java applications and applets execute within the security model. The following chapters look in depth at the elements of the Java security architecture: language rules, class loaders, the security manager, the access controller, and permission objects. All these chapters provide detailed information on implementation, as well as an excellent explanation of the role of each feature within the entire security picture. The second half of the book covers cryptographic features in the Java security package (much enhanced in Java 1.2) and how Java programs work with code that performs authentication and encryption. Here, you'll find detailed chapters on message digests, keys and certificates, key management, digital signatures, and the Java Cryptography Extensions. Anyone who needs to understand Java security, but especially those who will implement security features in Java applications, will want to own this book.