Chapter 31. Using Cryptography with the .NET Framework: Advanced Topics

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Chapter 31. Using Cryptography with the .NET Framework: Advanced Topics

By Brian A. LaMacchia

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Working with CryptoAPI 1.0

• Working with CryptoAPI 2.0

• Finalization Versus Explicit Destruction via IDisposable

• Extending the .NET Framework's Cryptography Classes and the Cryptographic Configuration System

This chapter continues our discussion of cryptographic support in the .NET Framework, focusing on advanced topics and interoperability with the Windows CryptoAPI. On completion of this chapter, you should be able to

• Demonstrate use of the CspParameters structure to make use of CryptoAPI-based keys from within the .NET Framework

• Demonstrate use of the .NET Framework's platform invoke feature to access X.509v3 certificate- related functions available via CryptoAPI

• Demonstrate proper use of the Clear() methods on .NET Framework cryptography objects to erase sensitive data after completing a cryptographic operation

• Demonstrate how to define and add new cryptographic algorithms and implementations to the .NET Framework

In this chapter, we present information on a collection of advanced cryptographic topics for .NET Framework developers. We assume throughout this chapter that you have successfully completed Chapter 30, "Using Cryptography with the .NET Framework: The Basics;" if you are not reading the book straight through and have not yet read Chapter 30, you need to do so before proceeding on in this chapter.

The topics covered in this chapter can be roughly divided into three separate areas:

• Working with CryptoAPI from within the .NET Framework

• Cleaning up sensitive data after finishing a cryptographic operation

• Configuring the Framework to use new algorithms and implementations

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