Authorization through trust chains in ad hoc grids

Abstract

Secure environment is a top-priority for all the forms of grid computing. To establish trust, traditional grids use various methods, mostly centrally oriented ones, such as certification authorities, VO management servers or credentials pools. Ad hoc grids are characterized by the absence of a central trust authority; therefore collaborating entities must establish and maintain a trust relationship among themselves. The paper presents a short overview of ad hoc grids, the definitions as well as authentication and authorization mechanisms of the environment. We design a proposal of an authorization mechanism for faster and easier formation of virtual organizations in ad hoc grid based on SPKI delegation chains where the delegation chains act as trust chains, even if they do not refer to target users.