Visual Basic 6.0

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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Visual Basic 6.0

Dim success As Long
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.

Dim privKey As 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.
Dim password As String
password = "myKeyPassword"

success = privKey.LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile("qa_data/private_pkcs8_enc.der",password)
If (success = 0) Then
    Debug.Print privKey.LastErrorText
    Exit Sub
End If

Debug.Print "Loaded a " & privKey.KeyType & " private key."