Provision of XML Security in E-Commerce Applications with XML Digital Signatures Using Virtual Smart Card

The paper aims at enhancing XML security by generating an XML digital signature capable of providing the major security features such as authentication, integrity, non-repudiation and confidentiality [14]. It also extends the concept of Information hiding which overcomes the hidden problem of traditional XML digital signature generation called "MID-WAY READING". The security of the document is ensured by a process called 'information hiding'. The document to be sent is digitally signed as well as encrypted and thereby ensuring excellent security level during the business transactions in an e-commerce environment and in addition to that, the private key used for signing the document is stored in a virtual smart card that provides enhanced security.