About XML signatures

An XML signature is a digital signature represented in XML syntax. The data in an XML signature can be used to validate that the signed information has not been altered since signing. In addition, when a signing certificate has been issued by a trusted certification authority, the identity of the signer can be verified through the public key infrastructure.

An XML signature can be applied to any type of digital data (in binary or XML format). XML signatures are typically used for such purposes as:

• checking whether external or downloaded resources have been modified

• verifying that messages come from a known source

• validating application license or subscription privileges