SECURITY_STATUS NCryptOpenStorageProvider( [out] NCRYPT_PROV_HANDLE *phProvider, [in, optional] LPCWSTR pszProviderName, [in] DWORD dwFlags ); Use code with caution.
: A pointer to an NCRYPT_PROV_HANDLE that receives the provider handle. This handle must eventually be released using NCryptFreeObject .
: Using the MS_PLATFORM_CRYPTO_PROVIDER ensures that keys are physically tied to the device's TPM, making them non-exportable and highly secure.
: KSPs can run in a separate process from the application, protecting private keys even if the application is compromised.
The function is defined in the ncrypt.h header and requires linking with ncrypt.lib .
MS_SMART_CARD_KEY_STORAGE_PROVIDER : Used for smart card operations. If set to NULL , the system loads the default KSP.
Modern Windows security relies on CNG for several "new" standard requirements:
: A Unicode string identifying the KSP. Common values include: