Networking and Internet Security APIs

Overview

This section covers the Windows API functions and interfaces that enable developers to implement secure networking and internet communication in their applications. It includes functionalities for encryption, authentication, certificate management, and secure protocol handling.

Key APIs and Concepts

Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL)

Provides secure communication channels over networks. This includes APIs for managing TLS/SSL contexts, establishing secure connections, and handling certificates.

  • Schannel API: A core component for TLS/SSL support.
  • CertOpenStore, CertFindCertificateInStore: Functions for managing certificates.
winapi.h, schannel.h, cryptui.h

Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)

Offers network-level security by authenticating and encrypting IP packets. IPsec can be used to secure communications between computers or networks.

  • IPsec Policy Agent API: For managing IPsec policies.
  • Windows Filtering Platform (WFP): A more modern and flexible framework for network filtering and security.
netfw.h, fwpmtypes.h

Cryptographic Services

A broad set of APIs for cryptographic operations, including hashing, encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and key management.

  • Cryptography API: Next Generation (CNG): The modern API for cryptographic operations.
  • Microsoft CryptoAPI (Legacy): Older APIs for cryptographic functions.
bcrypt.h, wincrypt.h

Secure Channel (Schannel)

The primary Windows component for implementing TLS and SSL protocols. It provides services for secure communication over TCP/IP.

  • CreateThreadID, AcceptSecurityContext, ApplyControlToken: Key functions for establishing a secure context.
schannel.h

Network Authentication

APIs for authenticating users and services over the network, ensuring the identity of communicating parties.

  • SSPI (Security Support Provider Interface): A general-purpose API for network authentication.
sspi.h

Related Topics