A Flexible Method Using Identity Based Message Key Distribution for Securing Workflow Signatures

Abstract

The increase in advancement of information technology led the migration of workflows from paper based to electronic workflow systems. Basically a workflow consists of a number of tasks and each of these tasks should be authenticated by using any of the cryptographic techniques. To provide more security within workflow systems, signing keys are used. In addition to data authenticity and integrity, logical relationships such as AND- join and AND-split are to be provided in a workflow signature scheme. Such a scheme was experimentally proven which is based on hierarchical identity-based cryptography to meet security properties required by inter-organizational workflows. Due its high complexity, a new mechanism, IB-MKD (Identity Based Message Key Distribution) is proposed as an alternative to HIBS, which is achieved with conventional RSA without any additional assumptions and limitations and it is believed to have less overhead.