An embodiment of the disclosure can receive a composite resource document containing at least one resource. An updated manifest resource can be obtained. The updated manifest resource can list all resources in the composite resource document. A set of zero or more (0 . . . N) resources can be indicated. Each indicated resource is one that is to be subtracted from the list of resources in the updated manifest resource in order to create a generated signature reference list of identified resources to be signed. A hash token can be generated using the resources identified in the generated signature reference list to form a signature hash token. The signature hash token can be encrypted with a secret key.