Unicode C

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 Unicode C Downloads

Download Chilkat for Unicode C

Unicode C

#include <C_CkPrivateKeyW.h>

void ChilkatSample(void)
    {
    BOOL success;
    HCkPrivateKeyW privKey;
    const wchar_t *password;

    success = FALSE;

    //  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 = CkPrivateKeyW_Create();

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

    success = CkPrivateKeyW_LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile(privKey,L"qa_data/private_pkcs8_enc.der",password);
    if (success == FALSE) {
        wprintf(L"%s\n",CkPrivateKeyW_lastErrorText(privKey));
        CkPrivateKeyW_Dispose(privKey);
        return;
    }

    wprintf(L"Loaded a %s private key.\n",CkPrivateKeyW_keyType(privKey));


    CkPrivateKeyW_Dispose(privKey);

    }