Java Cryptography Extension (JCE)

The Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) is an application program interface (API) that provides a uniform framework for the implementation of security features in Java. It was originally developed to supplement the Java 2 Software Developer's Kit (SDK), Standard Edition, versions 1.2.x and 1.3.x, but has since been integrated into the Java 2 SDK, version 1.4.

The JCE architecture is provider-based, and new applications can be added seamlessly. JCE supports several applications in digital security, such as the following:

• Symmetric ciphers
• Asymmetric ciphers
• Stream ciphers
• Block ciphers
• Key generation
• Key storage
• Key retrieval
• Secure streams
• Sealed objects
• Digital signatures
• Message Authentication Code (MAC) algorithms