Java

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.

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import com.chilkatsoft.chilkat2.ChilkatException;
import com.chilkatsoft.chilkat2.PrivateKey;

public class ChilkatExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // 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.

        PrivateKey privKey = new PrivateKey();

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

        try {
            privKey.loadPkcs8EncryptedFile("qa_data/private_pkcs8_enc.der", password);
        } catch (ChilkatException e) {
            System.out.println(e.getLastErrorText());
            return;
        }

        System.out.println("Loaded a " + privKey.getKeyType() + " private key.");
    }
}