AsymmetricAlgorithm Class

Definition

Represents the abstract base class from which all implementations of asymmetric algorithms must inherit.

public ref class AsymmetricAlgorithm abstract : IDisposable
public abstract class AsymmetricAlgorithm : IDisposable
[System.Runtime.InteropServices.ComVisible(true)]
public abstract class AsymmetricAlgorithm : IDisposable
type AsymmetricAlgorithm = class
    interface IDisposable
[<System.Runtime.InteropServices.ComVisible(true)>]
type AsymmetricAlgorithm = class
    interface IDisposable
Public MustInherit Class AsymmetricAlgorithm
Implements IDisposable
Inheritance
AsymmetricAlgorithm
Derived
Attributes
Implements

Examples

The following code example demonstrates how to implement a custom asymmetric algorithm inherited from the AsymmetricAlgorithm class. An additional class is provided to demonstrate how to use the custom class.

#using <System.Xml.dll>
#using <System.Security.dll>

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Xml;
using namespace System::Text;
using namespace System::Security::Cryptography;
using namespace System::Reflection;

[assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("CustomCrypto.snk")];
[assembly: AssemblyVersion("1.0.0.0")];
[assembly: CLSCompliant(true)];
namespace Contoso
{
    // Define a CustomCrypto class that inherits from the AsymmetricAlgorithm
    // class.
    public ref class CustomCrypto :
        public System::Security::Cryptography::AsymmetricAlgorithm
        {
            // Declare local member variables.
        private:
            CspParameters^ cryptoServiceParameters;
            array<KeySizes^>^ customValidKeySizes;

            // Initialize a CustomCrypto with the default key size of 8.
        public:
            CustomCrypto()
            {
                customValidKeySizes = 
                    gcnew array<KeySizes^>{gcnew KeySizes(8, 64, 8)};
                this->KeySize = 8;
            }

            // Initialize a CustomCrypto with the specified key size.
        public:
            CustomCrypto(int keySize)
            {
                customValidKeySizes = 
                    gcnew array<KeySizes^>{gcnew KeySizes(8, 64, 8)};
                this->KeySize = keySize;
            }

            // Accessor function for keySizes member variable.
        public:
            property array<KeySizes^>^ LegalKeySizes
            {
                virtual array<KeySizes^>^ get() override
                {
                    return (array<KeySizes^>^)customValidKeySizes->Clone();
                }
            }

            // Modify the KeySizeValue property inherited from the Asymmetric
            // class. Prior to setting the value, ensure it falls within the
            // range identified in the local keySizes member variable.
        public:
            property int KeySize
            {
                virtual int get() override
                {
                    return KeySizeValue;
                }

                virtual void set(int value) override
                {
                    for (int i = 0; i < customValidKeySizes->Length; i++)
                    {
                        if (customValidKeySizes[i]->SkipSize == 0)
                        {
                            if (customValidKeySizes[i]->MinSize == value)
                            {
                                KeySizeValue = value;
                                return;
                            }
                        }
                        else
                        {
                            for (int j = customValidKeySizes[i]->MinSize;
                                j <= customValidKeySizes[i]->MaxSize;
                                j += customValidKeySizes[i]->SkipSize)
                            {
                                if (j == value)
                                {
                                    KeySizeValue = value;
                                    return;
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }

                    // If the key does not fall within the range identified
                    // in the keySizes member variable, throw an exception.
                    throw gcnew CryptographicException("Invalid key size.");
                }
            }

            // Initialize the parameters with default values.
        public:
            void InitializeParameters()
            {
                cryptoServiceParameters = gcnew CspParameters();
                cryptoServiceParameters->ProviderName = "Contoso";
                cryptoServiceParameters->KeyContainerName = "SecurityBin1";
                cryptoServiceParameters->KeyNumber = 1;
                cryptoServiceParameters->ProviderType = 2;
            }

            // Parse specified xmlString for values to populate the CspParams
            // Expected XML schema:
            //      <ProviderName></ProviderName>
            //      <KeyContainerName></KeyContainerName>
            //      <KeyNumber></KeyNumber>
            //      <ProviderType></ProviderType>
        public:
            virtual void FromXmlString(String^ xmlString) override 
            {
                if (xmlString != nullptr)
                {
                    XmlDocument^ document = gcnew XmlDocument();
                    document->LoadXml(xmlString);
                    XmlNode^ firstNode = document->FirstChild;
                    XmlNodeList^ nodeList;

                    // Assemble parameters from values in each XML element.
                    cryptoServiceParameters = gcnew CspParameters();

                    // KeyContainerName is optional.
                    nodeList = 
                        document->GetElementsByTagName("KeyContainerName");
                    if (nodeList->Count > 0)
                    {
                        cryptoServiceParameters->KeyContainerName =
                            nodeList->Item(0)->InnerText;
                    }

                    // KeyNumber is optional.
                    nodeList = document->GetElementsByTagName("KeyNumber");
                    if (nodeList->Count > 0)
                    {
                        cryptoServiceParameters->KeyNumber =
                            Int32::Parse(nodeList->Item(0)->InnerText);
                    }

                    // ProviderName is optional.
                    nodeList = document->GetElementsByTagName("ProviderName");
                    if (nodeList->Count > 0)
                    {
                        cryptoServiceParameters->ProviderName =
                            nodeList->Item(0)->InnerText;
                    }

                    // ProviderType is optional.
                    nodeList = document->GetElementsByTagName("ProviderType");
                    if (nodeList->Count > 0)
                    {
                        cryptoServiceParameters->ProviderType =
                            Int32::Parse(nodeList->Item(0)->InnerText);
                    }
                }
                else
                {
                    throw gcnew ArgumentNullException("xmlString");
                }
            }

            // Create an XML string representation of the parameters in the
            // current customCrypto object.
        public:
            virtual String^ ToXmlString(bool includePrivateParameters) override
            {
                String^ keyContainerName = "";
                String^ keyNumber = "";
                String^ providerName = "";
                String^ providerType = "";

                if (cryptoServiceParameters != nullptr)
                {
                    keyContainerName = 
                        cryptoServiceParameters->KeyContainerName;
                    keyNumber = cryptoServiceParameters->KeyNumber.ToString();
                    providerName = cryptoServiceParameters->ProviderName;
                    providerType = 
                        cryptoServiceParameters->ProviderType.ToString();
                }

                StringBuilder^ sb = gcnew StringBuilder();
                sb->Append("<CustomCryptoKeyValue>");

                sb->Append("<KeyContainerName>");
                sb->Append(keyContainerName);
                sb->Append("</KeyContainerName>");

                sb->Append("<KeyNumber>");
                sb->Append(keyNumber);
                sb->Append("</KeyNumber>");

                sb->Append("<ProviderName>");
                sb->Append(providerName);
                sb->Append("</ProviderName>");

                sb->Append("<ProviderType>");
                sb->Append(providerType);
                sb->Append("</ProviderType>");

                sb->Append("</CustomCryptoKeyValue>");
                return(sb->ToString());
            }

            // Return the name for the key exchange algorithm.
        public:
            property String^ KeyExchangeAlgorithm 
            {
                virtual String^ get() override
                {
                    return "RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx";
                }
            }

            // Retrieves the name of the signature alogrithm.
            // This example uses the SHA1 algorithm.
            // Due to collision problems with SHA1, Microsoft recommends SHA256 or better.

        public:
            property String^ SignatureAlgorithm
            {
                virtual String^ get() override
                {
                    return "http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1";
                }
            }

            // Required member for implementing the AsymmetricAlgorithm class.
        protected:
            virtual ~CustomCrypto()
            {
            }

            // Call the Create method using the CustomCrypto assembly name.
            // The create function attempts to create a CustomCrypto 
            // object using the assembly name. This functionality requires 
            // modification of the machine.config file. Add the following 
            // section to the configuration element and modify the values 
            // of the cryptoClass to reflect what isinstalled 
            // in your machines GAC.
            //        <cryptoClass CustomCrypto="Contoso.CustomCrypto,
            //          CustomCrypto,
            //          Culture=neutral,
            //          PublicKeyToken=fdb9f9c4851028bf,
            //          Version=1.0.1448.27640" />
            //      <nameEntry name="Contoso.CustomCrypto" 
            //         class="CustomCrypto" />
            //      <nameEntry name="CustomCrypto" class="CustomCrypto" />

        public:
            static CustomCrypto^ Create() 
            {
                return Create("CustomCrypto");
            }

            // Create a CustomCrypto object by calling CrytoConfig's
            // CreateFromName method and casting the type to CustomCrypto.
            // The create function attempts to create a CustomCrypto object 
            // using the assembly name. This functionality requires 
            // modification of the machine.config file. Add the following 
            // section to the configuration element and modify the values 
            // of the cryptoClass to reflect what is installed 
            // in your machines GAC.
            //       <cryptoClass CustomCrypto="Contoso.CustomCrypto,
            //         CustomCrypto,
            //         Culture=neutral,
            //         PublicKeyToken=fdb9f9c4851028bf,
            //         Version=1.0.1448.27640" />
            //     <nameEntry name="Contoso.CustomCrypto" 
            //        class="CustomCrypto" />
            //     <nameEntry name="CustomCrypto" class="CustomCrypto" />

        public:
            static CustomCrypto^ Create(String^ algorithmName) 
            {
                return (CustomCrypto^) 
                    CryptoConfig::CreateFromName(algorithmName);
            }
        };
}
using System;
using System.Xml;
using System.Text;
using System.Security.Cryptography;
using System.Reflection;

[assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("CustomCrypto.snk")]
[assembly: AssemblyVersion("1.0.0.0")]
[assembly: CLSCompliant(true)]
namespace Contoso
{
    // Define a CustomCrypto class that inherits from the AsymmetricAlgorithm
    // class.
    public class CustomCrypto : 
        System.Security.Cryptography.AsymmetricAlgorithm
    {
        // Declare local member variables.
        private CspParameters cspParameters;
        private readonly KeySizes[] keySizes = {new KeySizes(8, 64, 8)};

        // Initialize a CustomCrypto with the default key size of 8.
        public CustomCrypto()
        {
            this.KeySize = 8;
        }

        // Initialize a CustomCrypto with the specified key size.
        public CustomCrypto(int keySize)
        {
            this.KeySize = keySize;
        }

        // Accessor function for keySizes member variable.
        public override KeySizes[] LegalKeySizes 
        { 
            get { return (KeySizes[])keySizes.Clone(); }
        }

        // Modify the KeySizeValue property inherited from the Asymmetric
        // class. Prior to setting the value, ensure it falls within the
        // range identified in the local keySizes member variable.
        public override int KeySize 
        {
            get { return KeySizeValue; }
            set
            {
                for (int i=0; i < keySizes.Length; i++)
                {
                    if (keySizes[i].SkipSize == 0) 
                    {
                        if (keySizes[i].MinSize == value)
                        {
                            KeySizeValue = value;
                            return;
                        }
                    }
                    else
                    {
                        for (int j = keySizes[i].MinSize;
                            j <= keySizes[i].MaxSize;
                            j += keySizes[i].SkipSize)
                        {
                            if (j == value)
                            {
                                KeySizeValue = value;
                                return;
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }

                // If the key does not fall within the range identified 
                // in the keySizes member variable, throw an exception.
                throw new CryptographicException("Invalid key size.");
            }
        }

        // Initialize the parameters with default values.
        public void InitializeParameters()
        {
            cspParameters = new CspParameters();
            cspParameters.ProviderName = "Contoso";
            cspParameters.KeyContainerName = "SecurityBin1";
            cspParameters.KeyNumber = 1;
            cspParameters.ProviderType = 2;
        }

        // Parse specified xmlString for values to populate the CspParams
        // Expected XML schema:
        //      <ProviderName></ProviderName>
        //      <KeyContainerName></KeyContainerName>
        //      <KeyNumber></KeyNumber>
        //      <ProviderType></ProviderType>
        public override void FromXmlString(string xmlString)
        {
            if (xmlString != null)
            {
                XmlDocument doc = new XmlDocument();
                doc.LoadXml(xmlString);
                XmlNode firstNode = doc.FirstChild;
                XmlNodeList nodeList;

                // Assemble parameters from values in each XML element.
                cspParameters = new CspParameters();

                // KeyContainerName is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("KeyContainerName");
                string keyName = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText;
                if (keyName != null) 
                {
                    cspParameters.KeyContainerName = keyName;
                }

                // KeyNumber is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("KeyNumber");
                string keyNumber = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText;
                if (keyNumber != null) 
                {
                    cspParameters.KeyNumber = Int32.Parse(keyNumber);
                }

                // ProviderName is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("ProviderName");
                string providerName = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText;
                if (providerName != null) 
                {
                    cspParameters.ProviderName = providerName;
                }

                // ProviderType is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("ProviderType");
                string providerType = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText;
                if (providerType != null) 
                {
                    cspParameters.ProviderType = Int32.Parse(providerType);
                }
            }
            else
            {
                throw new ArgumentNullException("xmlString");
            }
        }

        // Create an XML string representation of the parameters in the
        // current customCrypto object.
        public override string ToXmlString(bool includePrivateParameters)
        {
            string keyContainerName = "";
            string keyNumber = "";
            string providerName = "";
            string providerType = "";

            if (cspParameters != null)
            {
                keyContainerName = cspParameters.KeyContainerName;
                keyNumber = cspParameters.KeyNumber.ToString();
                providerName = cspParameters.ProviderName;
                providerType = cspParameters.ProviderType.ToString();
            }

            StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder();
            sb.Append("<CustomCryptoKeyValue>");

            sb.Append("<KeyContainerName>");
            sb.Append(keyContainerName);
            sb.Append("</KeyContainerName>");

            sb.Append("<KeyNumber>");
            sb.Append(keyNumber);
            sb.Append("</KeyNumber>");

            sb.Append("<ProviderName>");
            sb.Append(providerName);
            sb.Append("</ProviderName>");

            sb.Append("<ProviderType>");
            sb.Append(providerType);
            sb.Append("</ProviderType>");

            sb.Append("</CustomCryptoKeyValue>");
            return(sb.ToString());
        }

        // Return the name for the key exchange algorithm.
        public override string KeyExchangeAlgorithm
        {
            get {return "RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx";}
        }

        // Retrieves the name of the signature alogrithm.
        // This example uses the SHA1 algorithm.
        // Due to collision problems with SHA1, Microsoft recommends SHA256 or better.
        public override string SignatureAlgorithm 
        {
            get {return "http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1";}
        }

        // Required member for implementing the AsymmetricAlgorithm class.
        protected override void Dispose(bool disposing) {}

        // Call the Create method using the CustomCrypto assembly name.
        // The create function attempts to create a CustomCrypto object using
        // the assembly name. This functionality requires modification of the
        // machine.config file. Add the following section to the configuration
        // element and modify the values of the cryptoClass to reflect what is
        // installed in your machines GAC.
        //        <cryptoClass CustomCrypto="Contoso.CustomCrypto, 
        //          CustomCrypto, 
        //          Culture=neutral, 
        //          PublicKeyToken=fdb9f9c4851028bf, 
        //          Version=1.0.1448.27640" />
        //      <nameEntry name="Contoso.CustomCrypto" class="CustomCrypto" />
        //      <nameEntry name="CustomCrypto" class="CustomCrypto" />
        new static public CustomCrypto Create() 
        {
            return Create("CustomCrypto");
        }

        // Create a CustomCrypto object by calling CrytoConfig's
        // CreateFromName method and casting the type to CustomCrypto.
        // The create function attempts to create a CustomCrypto object using
        // the assembly name. This functionality requires modification of the
        // machine.config file. Add the following section to the configuration
        // element and modify the values of the cryptoClass to reflect what is
        // installed in your machines GAC.
        //       <cryptoClass CustomCrypto="Contoso.CustomCrypto, 
        //         CustomCrypto, 
        //         Culture=neutral, 
        //         PublicKeyToken=fdb9f9c4851028bf, 
        //         Version=1.0.1448.27640" />
        //     <nameEntry name="Contoso.CustomCrypto" class="CustomCrypto" />
        //     <nameEntry name="CustomCrypto" class="CustomCrypto" />
        new static public CustomCrypto Create(String algorithmName) 
        {
            return (CustomCrypto) CryptoConfig.CreateFromName(algorithmName);
        }
    }
    class CustomCryptoImpl
    {
        [STAThread]
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            // Construct a CustomCrypto object and initialize its
            // CspParameters.
            CustomCrypto customCrypto = new CustomCrypto();
            customCrypto.InitializeParameters();

            // Display properties of the current customCrypto object.
            Console.WriteLine("*** CustomCrypto created with default " + 
                "parameters:");
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto);

            // Release all the resources used by this instance of 
            // CustomCrytpo.
            customCrypto.Clear();

            customCrypto = new CustomCrypto(64);
            // Create new parameters and set them by using the FromXmlString
            // method.
            string parameterXml = "<CustomCryptoKeyValue>";
            parameterXml += "<ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>";
            parameterXml += "<KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2";
            parameterXml += "</KeyContainerName>";
            parameterXml += "<KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber>";
            parameterXml += "<ProviderType>2</ProviderType>";
            parameterXml += "</CustomCryptoKeyValue>";
            customCrypto.FromXmlString(parameterXml);

            // Display the properties of a customCrypto object created with
            // custom parameters.
            Console.WriteLine("\n*** " + 
                "CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:");
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto);

            // Create an object by using the assembly name.
            try
            {
                CustomCrypto myCryptoA = CustomCrypto.Create("CustomCrypto");
                if (myCryptoA != null)
                {
                    Console.Write("\n*** " + 
                        "Successfully created CustomCrytpo from");
                    Console.WriteLine(" the Create method.");

                    DisplayProperties(myCryptoA);
                }
                else
                {
                    Console.Write("Unable to create CustomCrytpo from ");
                    Console.WriteLine(" the Create method.");
                }
            }
            catch (Exception ex)
            {
                Console.WriteLine(ex.ToString());
            }
            
            Console.WriteLine("This sample completed successfully; " +
                "press Enter to exit.");
            Console.ReadLine();
        }
        // Display the properties of the specified CustomCrypto object to the
        // console.
        public static void DisplayProperties(CustomCrypto customCrypto)
        {
            try
            {
                // Retrieve the class description for the customCrypto object.
                string classDescription = customCrypto.ToString();

                Console.WriteLine(classDescription);
                Console.Write("KeyExchangeAlgorithm: ");
                Console.WriteLine(customCrypto.KeyExchangeAlgorithm);
                Console.Write("SignatureAlgorithm: ");
                Console.WriteLine(customCrypto.SignatureAlgorithm);
                Console.WriteLine("KeySize: " + customCrypto.KeySize);
                Console.WriteLine("Parameters described in Xml format:");
                Console.WriteLine(customCrypto.ToXmlString(true));

                // Display the MinSize, MaxSize, and SkipSize properties of 
                // each KeySize item in the local keySizes member variable.
                KeySizes[] legalKeySizes = customCrypto.LegalKeySizes;
                if (legalKeySizes.Length > 0)
                {
                    for (int i=0; i < legalKeySizes.Length; i++)
                    {
                        Console.Write("Keysize" + i + " min, max, step: ");
                        Console.Write(legalKeySizes[i].MinSize + ", ");
                        Console.Write(legalKeySizes[i].MaxSize + ", ");
                        Console.WriteLine(legalKeySizes[i].SkipSize + ", ");
                    }
                }
            }
            catch (Exception ex)
            {
                Console.WriteLine("Caught unexpected exception: " + 
                    ex.ToString());
            }
        }
    }
}
//
// This sample produces the following output:
//
// *** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:
// Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
// KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
// SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
// KeySize: 8
// Parameters described in Xml format:
// <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin1</KeyContainerName>
// <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
// <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
// Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
// 
// *** CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:
// Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
// KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
// SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
// KeySize: 64
// Parameters described in Xml format:
// <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2</KeyContainerName>
// <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
// <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
// Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
// Unable to create CustomCrytpo from  the Create method
// This sample completed successfully; press Exit to continue.
Imports System.Xml
Imports System.Text
Imports System.Security.Cryptography
Imports System.Reflection

<Assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("CustomCrypto.snk")> 
<Assembly: AssemblyVersion("1.0.0.0")> 
<Assembly: CLSCompliant(True)> 
Namespace Contoso
    ' Define a vbCustomCrypto class that inherits from the AsymmetricAlgorithm
    ' class.
    Class vbCustomCrypto
        Inherits System.Security.Cryptography.AsymmetricAlgorithm

        ' Declare local member variables.
        Private cspParameters As CspParameters
        Private ReadOnly keySizes() As keySizes = {New keySizes(8, 64, 8)}

        ' Initialize a vbCustomCrypto with the default key size of 8.
        Public Sub New()
            Me.KeySize = 8
        End Sub

        ' Initialize a vbCustomCrypto with the specified key size.
        Public Sub New(ByVal keySize As Integer)
            Me.KeySize = keySize
        End Sub

        ' Modify the KeySizeValue property inherited from the Asymmetric
        ' class. Prior to setting the value, ensure it falls within the
        ' range identified in the local keySizes member variable.
        Public Overrides Property KeySize() As Integer
            Get
                Return KeySizeValue
            End Get
            Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
                For i As Int16 = 0 To keySizes.Length - 1 Step i
                    If (keySizes(i).SkipSize.Equals(0)) Then
                        If (keySizes(i).MinSize.Equals(Value)) Then
                            KeySizeValue = Value
                            Return
                        End If
                    Else
                        For j As Integer = keySizes(i).MinSize _
                            To keySizes(i).MaxSize _
                            Step keySizes(i).SkipSize
                            If (j.Equals(Value)) Then
                                KeySizeValue = Value
                                Return
                            End If
                        Next
                    End If
                Next
                ' If the key does not fall within the range identified 
                ' in the keySizes member variable, throw an exception.
                Throw New CryptographicException("Invalid key size.")
            End Set
        End Property
        ' Accessor function for keySizes member variable.
        public Overrides Readonly Property LegalKeySizes as KeySizes()
            Get
                Return keySizes
            End Get
        End Property
        ' Initialize the parameters with default values.
        Public Sub InitializeParameters()
            cspParameters = New CspParameters
            cspParameters.ProviderName = "Contoso"
            cspParameters.KeyContainerName = "SecurityBin1"
            cspParameters.KeyNumber = 1
            cspParameters.ProviderType = 2
        End Sub

        ' Parse specified xmlString for values to populate the CspParams
        ' Expected XML schema:
        '      <ProviderName></ProviderName>
        '      <KeyContainerName></KeyContainerName>
        '      <KeyNumber></KeyNumber>
        '      <ProviderType></ProviderType>
        Public Overrides Sub FromXmlString(ByVal xmlString As String)
            If Not xmlString Is Nothing Then
                Dim doc As New XmlDocument
                doc.LoadXml(xmlString)
                Dim firstNode As XmlNode = doc.FirstChild
                Dim nodeList As XmlNodeList

                ' Assemble parameters from values in each XML element.
                cspParameters = New CspParameters

                ' KeyContainerName is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("KeyContainerName")
                Dim keyName As String = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText
                If Not keyName Is Nothing Then
                    cspParameters.KeyContainerName = keyName
                End If

                ' KeyNumber is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("KeyNumber")
                Dim keyNumber As String = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText
                If Not keyNumber Is Nothing Then
                    cspParameters.KeyNumber = Int32.Parse(keyNumber)
                End If

                ' ProviderName is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("ProviderName")
                Dim providerName As String = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText
                If Not providerName Is Nothing Then
                    cspParameters.ProviderName = providerName
                End If

                ' ProviderType is optional.
                nodeList = doc.GetElementsByTagName("ProviderType")
                Dim providerType As String = nodeList.Item(0).InnerText
                If Not providerType Is Nothing Then
                    cspParameters.ProviderType = Int32.Parse(providerType)
                End If
            Else
                Throw New ArgumentNullException("xmlString")
            End If
        End Sub

        ' Create an XML string representation of the parameters in the current
        ' vbCustomCrypto object.
        Public Overrides Function ToXmlString( _
            ByVal includePrivateParameters As Boolean) As String

            Dim keyContainerName As String = ""
            Dim keyNumber As String = ""
            Dim providerName As String = ""
            Dim providerType As String = ""

            If Not cspParameters Is Nothing Then
                keyContainerName = cspParameters.KeyContainerName
                keyNumber = cspParameters.KeyNumber.ToString()
                providerName = cspParameters.ProviderName
                providerType = cspParameters.ProviderType.ToString()
            End If

            Dim xmlBuilder As New StringBuilder
            xmlBuilder.Append("<CustomCryptoKeyValue>")

            xmlBuilder.Append("<KeyContainerName>")
            xmlBuilder.Append(keyContainerName)
            xmlBuilder.Append("</KeyContainerName>")

            xmlBuilder.Append("<KeyNumber>")
            xmlBuilder.Append(keyNumber)
            xmlBuilder.Append("</KeyNumber>")

            xmlBuilder.Append("<ProviderName>")
            xmlBuilder.Append(providerName)
            xmlBuilder.Append("</ProviderName>")

            xmlBuilder.Append("<ProviderType>")
            xmlBuilder.Append(providerType)
            xmlBuilder.Append("</ProviderType>")

            xmlBuilder.Append("</CustomCryptoKeyValue>")
            Return (xmlBuilder.ToString())
        End Function

        ' Return the name for the key exchange algorithm.
        Public Overrides ReadOnly Property KeyExchangeAlgorithm() As String
            Get
                Return "RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx"
            End Get
        End Property

        ' Retrieves the name of the signature alogrithm.
        ' This example uses the SHA1 algorithm.
        ' Due to collision problems with SHA1, Microsoft recommends SHA256 or better.
        Public Overrides ReadOnly Property SignatureAlgorithm() As String
            Get
                Return "http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1"
            End Get
        End Property

        ' Required member for implementing the AsymmetricAlgorithm class.
        Protected Overrides Sub Dispose(ByVal disposing As Boolean)

        End Sub

        ' The create function attempts to create a vbCustomCrypto object using
        ' the assembly name. This functionality requires modification of the
        ' machine.config file. Add the following section to the configuration
        ' element and modify the values of the cryptoClass to reflect what is
        ' installed in your machines GAC.
        '          <cryptoClass vbCustomCrypto="Contoso.vbCustomCrypto, 
        '            vbCustomCrypto, 
        '            Culture=neutral, 
        '            PublicKeyToken=fdb9f9c4851028bf, 
        '            Version=1.0.1448.27640" />
        '        <nameEntry name="Contoso.vbCustomCrypto" 
        '                   class="vbCustomCrypto" />
        '        <nameEntry name="vbCustomCrypto" class="vbCustomCrypto" />
        Public Shadows Function Create() As vbCustomCrypto
            Return Create("vbCustomCrypto")
        End Function

        ' Create a CustomCrypto object by calling CrytoConfig's
        ' CreateFromName method and casting the type to CustomCrypto.
        ' The create function attempts to create a vbCustomCrypto object using
        ' the assembly name. This functionality requires modification of the
        ' machine.config file. Add the following section to the configuration
        ' element and modify the values of the cryptoClass to reflect what is
        ' installed in your machines GAC.
        '          <cryptoClass vbCustomCrypto="Contoso.vbCustomCrypto, 
        '            vbCustomCrypto, 
        '            Culture=neutral, 
        '            PublicKeyToken=fdb9f9c4851028bf, 
        '            Version=1.0.1448.27640" />
        '        <nameEntry name="Contoso.vbCustomCrypto" 
        '                   class="vbCustomCrypto" />
        '        <nameEntry name="vbCustomCrypto" class="vbCustomCrypto" />
        Public Shadows Function Create( _
            ByVal algorithmName As String) As vbCustomCrypto

            Return CType( _
                CryptoConfig.CreateFromName(algorithmName), _
                vbCustomCrypto)

        End Function
    End Class
    Class Form1
        Inherits System.Windows.Forms.Form

        ' Event handler for Run button.
        Private Sub Button1_Click( _
            ByVal sender As System.Object, _
            ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

            tbxOutput.Cursor = Cursors.WaitCursor
            tbxOutput.Text = ""

            ' Construct a CustomCrypto object and initialize its
            ' CspParameters.
            Dim customCrypto As New Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
            customCrypto.InitializeParameters()

            ' Display properties of the current vbCustomCrypto object.
            WriteLine("*** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:")
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto)

            ' Release all the resources used by this instance of CustomCrytpo.
            customCrypto.Clear()

            customCrypto = New Contoso.vbCustomCrypto(64)
            ' Create new parameters and set them by using the
            ' FromXmlString method.
            Dim parameterXml As String = "<CustomCryptoKeyValue>"
            parameterXml += "<ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>"
            parameterXml += "<KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2"
            parameterXml += "</KeyContainerName>"
            parameterXml += "<KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber>"
            parameterXml += "<ProviderType>2</ProviderType>"
            parameterXml += "</CustomCryptoKeyValue>"
            customCrypto.FromXmlString(parameterXml)

            ' Display the properties of a customCrypto object created with
            ' custom parameters.
            WriteLine(vbCrLf + "*** " + _
                "CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:")
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto)

            ' Create an object by using the assembly name.
            Try
                Dim createdCrypto As Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
                createdCrypto = customCrypto.Create("vbCustomCrypto")

                If (Not createdCrypto Is Nothing) Then
                    Write(vbCrLf + "*** Successfully created vbCustomCrytpo ")
                    WriteLine("from the Create method.")

                    DisplayProperties(createdCrypto)
                Else
                    Write("Unable to create CustomCrytpo from ")
                    WriteLine(" the Create method.")
                End If
            Catch ex As Exception
                WriteLine(ex.ToString())
            End Try

            ' Align interface and conclude application.
            WriteLine("This sample completed successfully;" + _
                " press Exit to continue.")

            ' Reset the cursor.
            tbxOutput.Cursor = Cursors.Default
        End Sub
        ' Display the properties of the specified CustomCrypto object to
        ' the output texbox.
        Public Sub DisplayProperties( _
            ByVal customCrypto As Contoso.vbCustomCrypto)

            Try
                ' Retrieve the class description for the customCrypto object.
                Dim classDescription As String = customCrypto.ToString()

                WriteLine(classDescription)
                WriteLine("KeyExchangeAlgorithm: " + _
                    customCrypto.KeyExchangeAlgorithm)
                WriteLine("SignatureAlgorithm: " + _
                    customCrypto.SignatureAlgorithm)
                WriteLine("KeySize: " + customCrypto.KeySize.ToString())
                WriteLine("Parameters described in Xml format:")
                WriteLine(customCrypto.ToXmlString(True))

                ' Display the MinSize, MaxSize, and SkipSize properties of 
                ' each KeySize item in the local keySizes member variable.
                Dim legalKeySizes() As KeySizes = customCrypto.LegalKeySizes
                If (legalKeySizes.Length > 0) Then
                    For i As Integer = 0 To legalKeySizes.Length - 1 Step 1
                        Write("Keysize" + i.ToString() + " min, max, step: ")
                        Write(legalKeySizes(i).MinSize.ToString() + ", ")
                        Write(legalKeySizes(i).MaxSize.ToString() + ", ")
                        Write(legalKeySizes(i).SkipSize.ToString() + ", ")
                        WriteLine("")
                    Next
                End If
            Catch ex As Exception
                WriteLine("Caught unexpected exception: " + ex.ToString())
            End Try
        End Sub
        ' Write the specified message and carriage return to the output
        ' textbox.
        Private Sub WriteLine(ByVal message As String)
            tbxOutput.AppendText(message + vbCrLf)
        End Sub
        ' Write the specified message to the output textbox.
        Private Sub Write(ByVal message As String)
            tbxOutput.AppendText(message)
        End Sub
        ' Event handler for Exit button.
        Private Sub Button2_Click( _
            ByVal sender As System.Object, _
            ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button2.Click

            Application.Exit()
        End Sub


        Public Sub New()
            MyBase.New()

            'This call is required by the Windows Form Designer.
            InitializeComponent()

            'Add any initialization after the InitializeComponent() call

        End Sub

        'Form overrides dispose to clean up the component list.
        Protected Overloads Overrides Sub Dispose(ByVal disposing As Boolean)
            If disposing Then
                If Not (components Is Nothing) Then
                    components.Dispose()
                End If
            End If
            MyBase.Dispose(disposing)
        End Sub

        'Required by the Windows Form Designer
        Private components As System.ComponentModel.IContainer

        'NOTE: The following procedure is required by the Windows Form 
        'Designer. It can be modified using the Windows Form Designer. 
        'Do not modify it using the code editor.
        Friend WithEvents Panel2 As System.Windows.Forms.Panel
        Friend WithEvents Panel1 As System.Windows.Forms.Panel
        Friend WithEvents Button1 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
        Friend WithEvents Button2 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
        Friend WithEvents tbxOutput As System.Windows.Forms.RichTextBox
        <System.Diagnostics.DebuggerStepThrough()> _
        Private Sub InitializeComponent()
            Me.Panel2 = New System.Windows.Forms.Panel
            Me.Button1 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
            Me.Button2 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
            Me.Panel1 = New System.Windows.Forms.Panel
            Me.tbxOutput = New System.Windows.Forms.RichTextBox
            Me.Panel2.SuspendLayout()
            Me.Panel1.SuspendLayout()
            Me.SuspendLayout()
            '
            'Panel2
            '
            Me.Panel2.Controls.Add(Me.Button1)
            Me.Panel2.Controls.Add(Me.Button2)
            Me.Panel2.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Bottom
            Me.Panel2.DockPadding.All = 20
            Me.Panel2.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(0, 320)
            Me.Panel2.Name = "Panel2"
            Me.Panel2.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(616, 64)
            Me.Panel2.TabIndex = 1
            '
            'Button1
            '
            Me.Button1.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Right
            Me.Button1.Font = New System.Drawing.Font( _
                "Microsoft Sans Serif", _
                9.0!, _
                System.Drawing.FontStyle.Regular, _
                System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit.Point, _
                CType(0, Byte))
            Me.Button1.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(446, 20)
            Me.Button1.Name = "Button1"
            Me.Button1.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 24)
            Me.Button1.TabIndex = 2
            Me.Button1.Text = "&Run"
            '
            'Button2
            '
            Me.Button2.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Right
            Me.Button2.Font = New System.Drawing.Font( _
                "Microsoft Sans Serif", _
                9.0!, _
                System.Drawing.FontStyle.Regular, _
                System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit.Point, _
                CType(0, Byte))
            Me.Button2.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(521, 20)
            Me.Button2.Name = "Button2"
            Me.Button2.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 24)
            Me.Button2.TabIndex = 3
            Me.Button2.Text = "E&xit"
            '
            'Panel1
            '
            Me.Panel1.Controls.Add(Me.tbxOutput)
            Me.Panel1.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Fill
            Me.Panel1.DockPadding.All = 20
            Me.Panel1.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(0, 0)
            Me.Panel1.Name = "Panel1"
            Me.Panel1.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(616, 320)
            Me.Panel1.TabIndex = 2
            '
            'tbxOutput
            '
            Me.tbxOutput.AccessibleDescription = _
                "Displays output from application."
            Me.tbxOutput.AccessibleName = "Output textbox."
            Me.tbxOutput.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Fill
            Me.tbxOutput.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(20, 20)
            Me.tbxOutput.Name = "tbxOutput"
            Me.tbxOutput.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(576, 280)
            Me.tbxOutput.TabIndex = 1
            Me.tbxOutput.Text = "Click the Run button to run the application."
            '
            'Form1
            '
            Me.AutoScaleBaseSize = New System.Drawing.Size(6, 15)
            Me.ClientSize = New System.Drawing.Size(616, 384)
            Me.Controls.Add(Me.Panel1)
            Me.Controls.Add(Me.Panel2)
            Me.Name = "Form1"
            Me.Text = "AsymmetricAlgorithm"
            Me.Panel2.ResumeLayout(False)
            Me.Panel1.ResumeLayout(False)
            Me.ResumeLayout(False)

        End Sub

    End Class
End Namespace
'
' This sample produces the following output:
'
' *** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:
' Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
' KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
' SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
' KeySize: 8
' Parameters described in Xml format:
' <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin1</KeyContainerName>
' <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
' <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
' Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
' 
' *** CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:
' Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
' KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
' SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
' KeySize: 64
' Parameters described in Xml format:
' <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2</KeyContainerName>
' <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
' <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
' Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
' Unable to create CustomCrytpo from  the Create method
' This sample completed successfully; press Enter to exit.

Here's an additional class that demonstrates how to use the custom class.

#using <System.Xml.dll>
#using <System.Security.dll>

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Xml;
using namespace System::Text;
using namespace System::Security::Cryptography;

// Display the properties of the specified CustomCrypto object to the
// console.
static void DisplayProperties(Contoso::CustomCrypto^ customCryptoAlgorithm)
{
    // Retrieve the class description for the customCrypto object.
    String^ classDescription = customCryptoAlgorithm->ToString();

    Console::WriteLine(classDescription);
    Console::WriteLine("KeyExchangeAlgorithm: {0}",
        customCryptoAlgorithm->KeyExchangeAlgorithm);
    Console::WriteLine("SignatureAlgorithm: {0}",
        customCryptoAlgorithm->SignatureAlgorithm);
    Console::WriteLine("KeySize: {0}",
        customCryptoAlgorithm->KeySize);
    Console::WriteLine("Parameters described in Xml format:");
    Console::WriteLine(customCryptoAlgorithm->ToXmlString(true));

    // Display the MinSize, MaxSize, and SkipSize properties of
    // each KeySize item in the local keySizes member variable.
    array<KeySizes^>^ legalKeySizes = customCryptoAlgorithm->LegalKeySizes;
    for (int i = 0; i < legalKeySizes->Length; i++)
    {
        Console::WriteLine(
            "Keysize{0} min, max, step: {1}, {2}, {3}, ", i,
            legalKeySizes[i]->MinSize,
            legalKeySizes[i]->MaxSize,
            legalKeySizes[i]->SkipSize);
    }
}

[STAThread]
int main()
{
    // Construct a CustomCrypto object and initialize its
    // CspParameters.
    Contoso::CustomCrypto^ customCryptoAlgorithm = gcnew Contoso::CustomCrypto();
    customCryptoAlgorithm->InitializeParameters();

    // Display properties of the current customCrypto object.
    Console::WriteLine(
        "*** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:");
    DisplayProperties(customCryptoAlgorithm);

    // Release all the resources used by this instance of
    // CustomCrypto.
    customCryptoAlgorithm->Clear();

    customCryptoAlgorithm = gcnew Contoso::CustomCrypto(64);
    // Create new parameters and set them by using the FromXmlString
    // method.
    String^ parameterXml = "<CustomCryptoKeyValue>" +
        "<ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>" +
        "<KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2</KeyContainerName>" +
        "<KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber>" +
        "<ProviderType>2</ProviderType>" +
        "</CustomCryptoKeyValue>";
    customCryptoAlgorithm->FromXmlString(parameterXml);

    // Display the properties of a customCrypto object created with
    // custom parameters.
    Console::WriteLine(
        "{0}*** CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:", Environment::NewLine);
    DisplayProperties(customCryptoAlgorithm);

    // Create an object by using the assembly name.
    Contoso::CustomCrypto^ cryptoFromAssembly =
        Contoso::CustomCrypto::Create("CustomCrypto");
    if (cryptoFromAssembly != nullptr)
    {
        Console::WriteLine("{0}*** Successfully created " +
            "CustomCrypto from the Create method.", Environment::NewLine);
        DisplayProperties(cryptoFromAssembly);
    }
    else
    {
        Console::WriteLine("Unable to create CustomCrypto from " +
            "the Create method.");
    }

    Console::WriteLine(
        "This sample completed successfully; press Enter to exit.");
    Console::ReadLine();
}

//
// This sample produces the following output:
//
// *** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:
// Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
// KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
// SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
// KeySize: 8
// Parameters described in Xml format:
// <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin1</KeyContainerName>
// <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
// <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
// Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8,
//
// *** CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:
// Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
// KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
// SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
// KeySize: 64
// Parameters described in Xml format:
// <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2</KeyContainerName>
// <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
// <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
// Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8,
// Unable to create CustomCrypto from the Create method
// This sample completed successfully; press Enter to exit.
    class CustomCryptoImpl
    {
        [STAThread]
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            // Construct a CustomCrypto object and initialize its
            // CspParameters.
            CustomCrypto customCrypto = new CustomCrypto();
            customCrypto.InitializeParameters();

            // Display properties of the current customCrypto object.
            Console.WriteLine("*** CustomCrypto created with default " + 
                "parameters:");
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto);

            // Release all the resources used by this instance of 
            // CustomCrytpo.
            customCrypto.Clear();

            customCrypto = new CustomCrypto(64);
            // Create new parameters and set them by using the FromXmlString
            // method.
            string parameterXml = "<CustomCryptoKeyValue>";
            parameterXml += "<ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>";
            parameterXml += "<KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2";
            parameterXml += "</KeyContainerName>";
            parameterXml += "<KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber>";
            parameterXml += "<ProviderType>2</ProviderType>";
            parameterXml += "</CustomCryptoKeyValue>";
            customCrypto.FromXmlString(parameterXml);

            // Display the properties of a customCrypto object created with
            // custom parameters.
            Console.WriteLine("\n*** " + 
                "CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:");
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto);

            // Create an object by using the assembly name.
            try
            {
                CustomCrypto myCryptoA = CustomCrypto.Create("CustomCrypto");
                if (myCryptoA != null)
                {
                    Console.Write("\n*** " + 
                        "Successfully created CustomCrytpo from");
                    Console.WriteLine(" the Create method.");

                    DisplayProperties(myCryptoA);
                }
                else
                {
                    Console.Write("Unable to create CustomCrytpo from ");
                    Console.WriteLine(" the Create method.");
                }
            }
            catch (Exception ex)
            {
                Console.WriteLine(ex.ToString());
            }
            
            Console.WriteLine("This sample completed successfully; " +
                "press Enter to exit.");
            Console.ReadLine();
        }
        // Display the properties of the specified CustomCrypto object to the
        // console.
        public static void DisplayProperties(CustomCrypto customCrypto)
        {
            try
            {
                // Retrieve the class description for the customCrypto object.
                string classDescription = customCrypto.ToString();

                Console.WriteLine(classDescription);
                Console.Write("KeyExchangeAlgorithm: ");
                Console.WriteLine(customCrypto.KeyExchangeAlgorithm);
                Console.Write("SignatureAlgorithm: ");
                Console.WriteLine(customCrypto.SignatureAlgorithm);
                Console.WriteLine("KeySize: " + customCrypto.KeySize);
                Console.WriteLine("Parameters described in Xml format:");
                Console.WriteLine(customCrypto.ToXmlString(true));

                // Display the MinSize, MaxSize, and SkipSize properties of 
                // each KeySize item in the local keySizes member variable.
                KeySizes[] legalKeySizes = customCrypto.LegalKeySizes;
                if (legalKeySizes.Length > 0)
                {
                    for (int i=0; i < legalKeySizes.Length; i++)
                    {
                        Console.Write("Keysize" + i + " min, max, step: ");
                        Console.Write(legalKeySizes[i].MinSize + ", ");
                        Console.Write(legalKeySizes[i].MaxSize + ", ");
                        Console.WriteLine(legalKeySizes[i].SkipSize + ", ");
                    }
                }
            }
            catch (Exception ex)
            {
                Console.WriteLine("Caught unexpected exception: " + 
                    ex.ToString());
            }
        }
    }
}
//
// This sample produces the following output:
//
// *** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:
// Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
// KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
// SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
// KeySize: 8
// Parameters described in Xml format:
// <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin1</KeyContainerName>
// <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
// <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
// Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
// 
// *** CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:
// Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
// KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
// SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
// KeySize: 64
// Parameters described in Xml format:
// <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2</KeyContainerName>
// <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
// <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
// Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
// Unable to create CustomCrytpo from  the Create method
// This sample completed successfully; press Exit to continue.
    Class Form1
        Inherits System.Windows.Forms.Form

        ' Event handler for Run button.
        Private Sub Button1_Click( _
            ByVal sender As System.Object, _
            ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

            tbxOutput.Cursor = Cursors.WaitCursor
            tbxOutput.Text = ""

            ' Construct a CustomCrypto object and initialize its
            ' CspParameters.
            Dim customCrypto As New Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
            customCrypto.InitializeParameters()

            ' Display properties of the current vbCustomCrypto object.
            WriteLine("*** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:")
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto)

            ' Release all the resources used by this instance of CustomCrytpo.
            customCrypto.Clear()

            customCrypto = New Contoso.vbCustomCrypto(64)
            ' Create new parameters and set them by using the
            ' FromXmlString method.
            Dim parameterXml As String = "<CustomCryptoKeyValue>"
            parameterXml += "<ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>"
            parameterXml += "<KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2"
            parameterXml += "</KeyContainerName>"
            parameterXml += "<KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber>"
            parameterXml += "<ProviderType>2</ProviderType>"
            parameterXml += "</CustomCryptoKeyValue>"
            customCrypto.FromXmlString(parameterXml)

            ' Display the properties of a customCrypto object created with
            ' custom parameters.
            WriteLine(vbCrLf + "*** " + _
                "CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:")
            DisplayProperties(customCrypto)

            ' Create an object by using the assembly name.
            Try
                Dim createdCrypto As Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
                createdCrypto = customCrypto.Create("vbCustomCrypto")

                If (Not createdCrypto Is Nothing) Then
                    Write(vbCrLf + "*** Successfully created vbCustomCrytpo ")
                    WriteLine("from the Create method.")

                    DisplayProperties(createdCrypto)
                Else
                    Write("Unable to create CustomCrytpo from ")
                    WriteLine(" the Create method.")
                End If
            Catch ex As Exception
                WriteLine(ex.ToString())
            End Try

            ' Align interface and conclude application.
            WriteLine("This sample completed successfully;" + _
                " press Exit to continue.")

            ' Reset the cursor.
            tbxOutput.Cursor = Cursors.Default
        End Sub
        ' Display the properties of the specified CustomCrypto object to
        ' the output texbox.
        Public Sub DisplayProperties( _
            ByVal customCrypto As Contoso.vbCustomCrypto)

            Try
                ' Retrieve the class description for the customCrypto object.
                Dim classDescription As String = customCrypto.ToString()

                WriteLine(classDescription)
                WriteLine("KeyExchangeAlgorithm: " + _
                    customCrypto.KeyExchangeAlgorithm)
                WriteLine("SignatureAlgorithm: " + _
                    customCrypto.SignatureAlgorithm)
                WriteLine("KeySize: " + customCrypto.KeySize.ToString())
                WriteLine("Parameters described in Xml format:")
                WriteLine(customCrypto.ToXmlString(True))

                ' Display the MinSize, MaxSize, and SkipSize properties of 
                ' each KeySize item in the local keySizes member variable.
                Dim legalKeySizes() As KeySizes = customCrypto.LegalKeySizes
                If (legalKeySizes.Length > 0) Then
                    For i As Integer = 0 To legalKeySizes.Length - 1 Step 1
                        Write("Keysize" + i.ToString() + " min, max, step: ")
                        Write(legalKeySizes(i).MinSize.ToString() + ", ")
                        Write(legalKeySizes(i).MaxSize.ToString() + ", ")
                        Write(legalKeySizes(i).SkipSize.ToString() + ", ")
                        WriteLine("")
                    Next
                End If
            Catch ex As Exception
                WriteLine("Caught unexpected exception: " + ex.ToString())
            End Try
        End Sub
        ' Write the specified message and carriage return to the output
        ' textbox.
        Private Sub WriteLine(ByVal message As String)
            tbxOutput.AppendText(message + vbCrLf)
        End Sub
        ' Write the specified message to the output textbox.
        Private Sub Write(ByVal message As String)
            tbxOutput.AppendText(message)
        End Sub
        ' Event handler for Exit button.
        Private Sub Button2_Click( _
            ByVal sender As System.Object, _
            ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button2.Click

            Application.Exit()
        End Sub


        Public Sub New()
            MyBase.New()

            'This call is required by the Windows Form Designer.
            InitializeComponent()

            'Add any initialization after the InitializeComponent() call

        End Sub

        'Form overrides dispose to clean up the component list.
        Protected Overloads Overrides Sub Dispose(ByVal disposing As Boolean)
            If disposing Then
                If Not (components Is Nothing) Then
                    components.Dispose()
                End If
            End If
            MyBase.Dispose(disposing)
        End Sub

        'Required by the Windows Form Designer
        Private components As System.ComponentModel.IContainer

        'NOTE: The following procedure is required by the Windows Form 
        'Designer. It can be modified using the Windows Form Designer. 
        'Do not modify it using the code editor.
        Friend WithEvents Panel2 As System.Windows.Forms.Panel
        Friend WithEvents Panel1 As System.Windows.Forms.Panel
        Friend WithEvents Button1 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
        Friend WithEvents Button2 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
        Friend WithEvents tbxOutput As System.Windows.Forms.RichTextBox
        <System.Diagnostics.DebuggerStepThrough()> _
        Private Sub InitializeComponent()
            Me.Panel2 = New System.Windows.Forms.Panel
            Me.Button1 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
            Me.Button2 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
            Me.Panel1 = New System.Windows.Forms.Panel
            Me.tbxOutput = New System.Windows.Forms.RichTextBox
            Me.Panel2.SuspendLayout()
            Me.Panel1.SuspendLayout()
            Me.SuspendLayout()
            '
            'Panel2
            '
            Me.Panel2.Controls.Add(Me.Button1)
            Me.Panel2.Controls.Add(Me.Button2)
            Me.Panel2.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Bottom
            Me.Panel2.DockPadding.All = 20
            Me.Panel2.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(0, 320)
            Me.Panel2.Name = "Panel2"
            Me.Panel2.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(616, 64)
            Me.Panel2.TabIndex = 1
            '
            'Button1
            '
            Me.Button1.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Right
            Me.Button1.Font = New System.Drawing.Font( _
                "Microsoft Sans Serif", _
                9.0!, _
                System.Drawing.FontStyle.Regular, _
                System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit.Point, _
                CType(0, Byte))
            Me.Button1.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(446, 20)
            Me.Button1.Name = "Button1"
            Me.Button1.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 24)
            Me.Button1.TabIndex = 2
            Me.Button1.Text = "&Run"
            '
            'Button2
            '
            Me.Button2.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Right
            Me.Button2.Font = New System.Drawing.Font( _
                "Microsoft Sans Serif", _
                9.0!, _
                System.Drawing.FontStyle.Regular, _
                System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit.Point, _
                CType(0, Byte))
            Me.Button2.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(521, 20)
            Me.Button2.Name = "Button2"
            Me.Button2.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 24)
            Me.Button2.TabIndex = 3
            Me.Button2.Text = "E&xit"
            '
            'Panel1
            '
            Me.Panel1.Controls.Add(Me.tbxOutput)
            Me.Panel1.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Fill
            Me.Panel1.DockPadding.All = 20
            Me.Panel1.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(0, 0)
            Me.Panel1.Name = "Panel1"
            Me.Panel1.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(616, 320)
            Me.Panel1.TabIndex = 2
            '
            'tbxOutput
            '
            Me.tbxOutput.AccessibleDescription = _
                "Displays output from application."
            Me.tbxOutput.AccessibleName = "Output textbox."
            Me.tbxOutput.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Fill
            Me.tbxOutput.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(20, 20)
            Me.tbxOutput.Name = "tbxOutput"
            Me.tbxOutput.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(576, 280)
            Me.tbxOutput.TabIndex = 1
            Me.tbxOutput.Text = "Click the Run button to run the application."
            '
            'Form1
            '
            Me.AutoScaleBaseSize = New System.Drawing.Size(6, 15)
            Me.ClientSize = New System.Drawing.Size(616, 384)
            Me.Controls.Add(Me.Panel1)
            Me.Controls.Add(Me.Panel2)
            Me.Name = "Form1"
            Me.Text = "AsymmetricAlgorithm"
            Me.Panel2.ResumeLayout(False)
            Me.Panel1.ResumeLayout(False)
            Me.ResumeLayout(False)

        End Sub

    End Class
End Namespace
'
' This sample produces the following output:
'
' *** CustomCrypto created with default parameters:
' Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
' KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
' SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
' KeySize: 8
' Parameters described in Xml format:
' <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin1</KeyContainerName>
' <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
' <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
' Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
' 
' *** CustomCrypto created with custom parameters:
' Contoso.vbCustomCrypto
' KeyExchangeAlgorithm: RSA-PKCS1-KeyEx
' SignatureAlgorithm: http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1
' KeySize: 64
' Parameters described in Xml format:
' <CustomCryptoKeyValue><KeyContainerName>SecurityBin2</KeyContainerName>
' <KeyNumber>1</KeyNumber><ProviderName>Contoso</ProviderName>
' <ProviderType>2</ProviderType></CustomCryptoKeyValue>
' Keysize0 min, max, step: 8, 64, 8, 
' Unable to create CustomCrytpo from  the Create method
' This sample completed successfully; press Enter to exit.

Remarks

Asymmetric cryptographic algorithms, also known as public-key algorithms, require that both sender and receiver maintain a pair of related keys: a private key and a public key. Both keys are unique to the entity. The public key can be made available to anyone; this key is used for encoding data that is sent to a receiver. The private key must be kept private by the receiver; this key is used for decoding messages encoded using the receiver's public key. The RSACryptoServiceProvider class is an implementation of a public-key algorithm. For an in-depth discussion of public-key encryption and algorithms, see the "Public-Key Encryption" section in Cryptographic Services. For information about how to use the Strong Name tool (Sn.exe) to create key pairs, see How to: Create a Public-Private Key Pair.

You can use public-key systems to form digital signatures. Digital signatures are used to help to protect the integrity of data. For example, to use a public-key system to digitally sign a message, the sender first applies a hash function to the message to create a message digest. The sender then encrypts the message digest with the sender's private key to create the sender's personal signature. Upon receiving the message and signature, the receiver decrypts the signature using the sender's public key to recover the message digest and hashes the message using the same hash algorithm that the sender used. If the message digest that the receiver computes matches the message digest received from the sender, the receiver can assume that the message was not altered while in transit. Note that anyone can verify a signature, because the sender's public key is common knowledge. This technique does not retain the secrecy of the message; for the message to be secret, it must also be encrypted.

The .NET Framework provides the following classes that implement digital signature algorithms: DSACryptoServiceProvider, RSACryptoServiceProvider, ECDsa (base class), and ECDsaCng.

The System.Security.Cryptography namespace provides concrete classes for RSA and DSA only.

To learn how to use the RSA algorithm to encrypt and decrypt XML data, and create and verify XML digital signatures, see these articles:

Constructors

AsymmetricAlgorithm()

Initializes a new instance of the AsymmetricAlgorithm class.

Fields

KeySizeValue

Represents the size, in bits, of the key modulus used by the asymmetric algorithm.

LegalKeySizesValue

Specifies the key sizes that are supported by the asymmetric algorithm.

Properties

KeyExchangeAlgorithm

When overridden in a derived class, gets the name of the key exchange algorithm. Otherwise, throws an NotImplementedException.

KeySize

Gets or sets the size, in bits, of the key modulus used by the asymmetric algorithm.

LegalKeySizes

Gets the key sizes that are supported by the asymmetric algorithm.

SignatureAlgorithm

When implemented in a derived class, gets the name of the signature algorithm. Otherwise, always throws a NotImplementedException.

Methods

Clear()

Releases all resources used by the AsymmetricAlgorithm class.

Create()
Obsolete.
Obsolete.

Creates a default cryptographic object used to perform the asymmetric algorithm.

Create(String)
Obsolete.

Creates an instance of the specified implementation of an asymmetric algorithm.

Dispose()

Releases all resources used by the current instance of the AsymmetricAlgorithm class.

Dispose(Boolean)

Releases the unmanaged resources used by the AsymmetricAlgorithm class and optionally releases the managed resources.

Equals(Object)

Determines whether the specified object is equal to the current object.

(Inherited from Object)
ExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, PbeParameters)

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format with a byte-based password.

ExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, PbeParameters)

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format with a char-based password.

ExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKeyPem(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, PbeParameters)

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format with a byte-based password, PEM encoded.

ExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKeyPem(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, PbeParameters)

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format with a char-based password, PEM encoded.

ExportPkcs8PrivateKey()

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 PrivateKeyInfo format.

ExportPkcs8PrivateKeyPem()

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 PrivateKeyInfo format, PEM encoded.

ExportSubjectPublicKeyInfo()

Exports the public-key portion of the current key in the X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo format.

ExportSubjectPublicKeyInfoPem()

Exports the public-key portion of the current key in the X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo format, PEM encoded.

FromXmlString(String)

When overridden in a derived class, reconstructs an AsymmetricAlgorithm object from an XML string. Otherwise, throws a NotImplementedException.

GetHashCode()

Serves as the default hash function.

(Inherited from Object)
GetType()

Gets the Type of the current instance.

(Inherited from Object)
ImportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, Int32)

When overridden in a derived class, imports the public/private keypair from a PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo structure after decrypting with a byte-based password, replacing the keys for this object.

ImportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, Int32)

When overridden in a derived class, imports the public/private keypair from a PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo structure after decrypting with a char-based password, replacing the keys for this object.

ImportFromEncryptedPem(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, ReadOnlySpan<Byte>)

When overridden in a derived class, imports an encrypted RFC 7468 PEM-encoded key, replacing the keys for this object.

ImportFromEncryptedPem(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, ReadOnlySpan<Char>)

When overridden in a derived class, imports an encrypted RFC 7468 PEM-encoded key, replacing the keys for this object.

ImportFromPem(ReadOnlySpan<Char>)

When overridden in a derived class, imports an RFC 7468 textually encoded key, replacing the keys for this object.

ImportPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, Int32)

When overriden in a derived class, imports the public/private keypair from a PKCS#8 PrivateKeyInfo structure after decryption, replacing the keys for this object.

ImportSubjectPublicKeyInfo(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, Int32)

When overriden in a derived class, imports the public key from an X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo structure after decryption, replacing the keys for this object.

MemberwiseClone()

Creates a shallow copy of the current Object.

(Inherited from Object)
ToString()

Returns a string that represents the current object.

(Inherited from Object)
ToXmlString(Boolean)

When overridden in a derived class, creates and returns an XML string representation of the current AsymmetricAlgorithm object. Otherwise, throws a NotImplementedException.

TryExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, PbeParameters, Span<Byte>, Int32)

When overridden in a derived class, attempts to export the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format into a provided buffer, using a byte-based password.

TryExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKey(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, PbeParameters, Span<Byte>, Int32)

When overriden in a derived class, attempts to export the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format into a provided buffer, using a char-based password.

TryExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKeyPem(ReadOnlySpan<Byte>, PbeParameters, Span<Char>, Int32)

Attempts to export the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format with a byte-based password, PEM encoded.

TryExportEncryptedPkcs8PrivateKeyPem(ReadOnlySpan<Char>, PbeParameters, Span<Char>, Int32)

Exports the current key in the PKCS#8 EncryptedPrivateKeyInfo format with a char-based password, PEM encoded.

TryExportPkcs8PrivateKey(Span<Byte>, Int32)

When overridden in a derived class, attempts to export the current key in the PKCS#8 PrivateKeyInfo format into a provided buffer.

TryExportPkcs8PrivateKeyPem(Span<Char>, Int32)

Attempts to export the current key in the PEM-encoded PKCS#8 PrivateKeyInfo format into a provided buffer.

TryExportSubjectPublicKeyInfo(Span<Byte>, Int32)

When overridden in a derived class, attempts to export the current key in the X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo format into a provided buffer.

TryExportSubjectPublicKeyInfoPem(Span<Char>, Int32)

Attempts to export the current key in the PEM-encoded X.509 SubjectPublicKeyInfo format into a provided buffer.

Explicit Interface Implementations

IDisposable.Dispose()

This API supports the product infrastructure and is not intended to be used directly from your code.

For a description of this member, see Dispose().

Applies to

See also