An XML based access control architecture for pervasive computing

There is a huge prevalence of mobile devices being connected to the Internet because of high demands for information access and dissemination. It is now well understood that XML plays a vital role as a means for information representation, exchange, and storage. Naturally, XML data is exchanged and stored as these mobile devices communicate with each other, and over the web. A major concern for one device requesting data (objects, services or raw data) from another device is security. Access control policies are important models that control access to data for authorized devices. In an XML setting, access control policies are necessary to control access to parts of XML documents. It becomes challenging in pervasive computing environment as the devices have small memory foot print, disconnection, low battery powers, etc. In this paper, we propose an XML based access control along with cryptography for secure transmission of XML data in pervasive environments.