What is a SecureString in PowerShell?

14/10/2022

What is a SecureString in PowerShell?

The secure string created by the cmdlet can be used with cmdlets or functions that require a parameter of type SecureString. The secure string can be converted back to an encrypted, standard string using the ConvertFrom-SecureString cmdlet. This enables it to be stored in a file for later use.

Is SecureString encrypted?

As others have already answered, the contents of SecureString are encrypted using DPAPI, so the keys aren’t stored in your application, they’re part of the OS.

How do I pass credentials in PowerShell script?

The first way to create a credential object is to use the PowerShell cmdlet Get-Credential . When you run without parameters, it prompts you for a username and password. Or you can call the cmdlet with some optional parameters.

How secure is ConvertTo SecureString?

SecureString uses Windows’ Data protection API. It is likely to be strong enough to be unbreakable in practical situations – save rubber hose cryptanalysis.

How do I encrypt a username and password in PowerShell script?

Securely store passwords on a Windows disk

  1. In Windows PowerShell, use the ConvertFrom-SecureString cmdlet to convert a secure string into an encrypted plaintext string that can be written to disk and used later: $pw | ConvertFrom-SecureString.
  2. You can pipe this output directly into a file and know it is encrypted.

How do you pass credentials as parameters in PowerShell?

A credential parameter is to allow you to run the function or cmdlet as a different user. The most common use is to run the function or cmdlet as an elevated user account. For example, the cmdlet New-ADUser has a Credential parameter, which you could provide domain admin credentials to create an account in a domain.

How do you check parameters in PowerShell?

Simply type Get-ChildItem. Then type – and then press CTRL + Space. This shows all parameters and afterwards you can use the arrow keys to choose one.

How do I pass multiple parameters in PowerShell?

To pass multiple parameters you must use the command line syntax that includes the names of the parameters. For example, here is a sample PowerShell script that runs the Get-Service function with two parameters. The parameters are the name of the service(s) and the name of the Computer.

How secure is Convertto SecureString?