What is createSecretKey for in nodejs crypto module?-CodePudding

Im trying to figure out why should I use createSecretKey in crypto module instead of string.

What difference between this:

const secret = crypto.createSecretKey('mysupersecret'); // Creates SecretKeyObject

hmac = crypto.createHmac('sha256', secret);
hash = hmac.update('somemessage').digest('hex');
console.log(hash);

and this:

const secret = 'mysupersecret'; // just string

hmac = crypto.createHmac('sha256', secret);
hash = hmac.update('somemessage').digest('hex');
console.log(hash);

Both output: 81a86a988a751d4523ebc1ccb3150b094ef7d51a0fbe111600d1832c6de68f9f

Does SecretKeyObject provides any benefits? Using createSecretKey improves security of my code?

CodePudding user response：

There are several reasons why you might use the createSecretKey method in the crypto module instead of a string:

Security: The createSecretKey method generates a secure, random key that is much less likely to be guessed or hacked than a simple string. This is important for protecting sensitive information, such as passwords or encryption keys.

Compatibility: The createSecretKey method generates a key in the correct format for use with other crypto functions, such as encrypt and decrypt. This can save you time and effort when working with cryptographic operations.

Ease of use: The createSecretKey method is a simple, one-line command that can be easily integrated into your code. This can make it easier to work with cryptographic operations, especially if you are not an expert in cryptography.

Overall, using the createSecretKey method in the crypto module can provide enhanced security, compatibility, and ease of use when working with cryptographic operations.

CodePudding user response：

The 'createSecretKey' method in the 'crypto' module of Node.js is used to create a 'SecretKeyObject' from a secret key string. This object provides a number of benefits over using a plain string as the secret key.

First, the 'SecretKeyObject' is a secure object that can be used to store and manage the secret key in a more secure way. For example, the object can be encrypted and decrypted, and it can be exported and imported as a binary buffer, which is more secure than storing the key as a plain string.

Second, the 'SecretKeyObject' provides methods for generating and verifying digital signatures, which can be used to authenticate messages and ensure the integrity of data. This is useful for implementing secure communication protocols, such as HTTPS or SSH, where message authentication is important.

In summary, using the 'createSecretKey' method to create a 'SecretKeyObject' from a secret key string provides improved security and additional functionality over using a plain string as the secret key. It is recommended to use the 'SecretKeyObject' whenever possible in your Node.js applications.