Delphi ActiveX

Load an Encrypted PKCS #8 Private Key File

Demonstrates the Chilkat PrivateKey.LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile method, which loads a private key from a file, using a password when the key is encrypted. The first argument is the file path and the second is the password. It handles encrypted PKCS #8 DER or PEM, and unencrypted forms.

Note: The file path is relative to the application's current working directory. Absolute paths may also be used. Supply the path to your own key file.

Background: Encrypted PKCS #8 is the standard way to store a password-protected key in either binary DER or Base64 PEM. This loader decrypts both, and because it also accepts unencrypted input it is a robust choice when a PKCS #8 file may or may not be encrypted. As always, source the password securely.

Chilkat Delphi ActiveX Downloads

Download Chilkat for Delphi ActiveX

Delphi ActiveX

var
success: Integer;
privKey: TPrivateKey;
password: WideString;

begin
success := 0;

//  Demonstrates the PrivateKey.LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile method, which loads a private key from a
//  file, using a password when the key is encrypted.  The 1st argument is the file path and the
//  2nd is the password.  It handles encrypted PKCS #8 DER or PEM, as well as unencrypted forms.

privKey := TPrivateKey.Create(Self);

//  The key password is not hard-coded in a real application; obtain it from an interactive
//  prompt, environment variable, or a secrets vault.
password := 'myKeyPassword';

success := privKey.LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile('qa_data/private_pkcs8_enc.der',password);
if (success = 0) then
  begin
    Memo1.Lines.Add(privKey.LastErrorText);
    Exit;
  end;

Memo1.Lines.Add('Loaded a ' + privKey.KeyType + ' private key.');