Signed objects and sealed objects can be generated using embodiments of the invention. A signed object is an object that has an associated digital signature that can be used to authenticate the object. A sealed object is an object that is encrypted to limit access to only authorized entities. A signedObject class is used to create, maintain and authenticate a signed object. A sealed object is created, maintained, and authenticated using a sealedObject class. Nesting can be used to provide multiple levels of signing and/or sealing.