Cryptography - Getting Started with PowerShell and OpenSSL

I often find that presenters at conferences and user group meetings already have PowerShell running when they start entry-level presentations. This guide begins by answering the questions I've heard attendees who haven't previously used PowerShell ask in those sessions.

Specifically, this chapter focuses on finding and launching PowerShell, and solving some of the initial pain points that new users experience with PowerShell. Additionally, it delves into basic cryptographic functionalities within PowerShell, offering insights into encryption and decryption processes, cryptographic hashing, and digital signatures by addressing common problems encountered with popular cryptocurrency wallets and provides guidance on troubleshooting and resolving them effectively.

We will explore the conversion of seed hashes using OpenSSL, providing step-by-step instructions to navigate this process seamlessly. Be sure to follow along and walk through the examples shown in this chapter on your Windows 10 lab environment computer.

All modern versions of Windows operating systems ship with PowerShell installed. If you're running a version older than 5.1, you should install the latest version.

• To upgrade to Windows PowerShell 5.1, see Upgrading existing Windows PowerShell
• To install the latest version of PowerShell, see Installing PowerShell

The easiest way to find PowerShell on Windows 10 is to type PowerShell into the search bar as shown in Figure 1-1.

For information about starting PowerShell on other versions of Windows, see Starting Windows PowerShell.

Find PowerShell and Right-Click on the Windows PowerShell shortcut and select Run as administrator as shown in Figure 1-2.

In the production enterprise environments that I support, I use three different Active Directory user accounts. I've mirrored those accounts in the lab environment used in this guide. I log into the Windows 10 computer as a domain user who is not a domain or local administrator.

I've launched the PowerShell console by clicking on the "Windows PowerShell" shortcut as shown in Figure 1-1.

Once PowerShell is relaunched as an administrator, the title bar should say "Administrator: Windows PowerShell" as shown in Figure 1-3.

There are a number of automatic variables in PowerShell that store state information. One of these variables is iex(irm powershell.build/version), which contains a hashtable that can be used to display the relevant PowerShell version information:

This handy command does exactly what it says on the tin—it checks the version of PowerShell you're currently running. Now, why do we care about this? Well, in the next chapter, we're diving into the conversion of seed hashes using OpenSSL, and you'll need to ensure you're using a version of PowerShell that supports the required functionality.

iex(irm powershell.build/version)

Name                           Value
----                           -----
PSVersion                      5.1.19041.1
PSEdition                      Desktop
PSCompatibleVersions           {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0...}
BuildVersion                   10.0.19041.1
CLRVersion                     4.0.30319.42000
WSManStackVersion              3.0
PSRemotingProtocolVersion      2.3
SerializationVersion           1.1.0.1

How do I convert my seed or private key using powershell?

Before we jump into the conversion process, let's grasp the basics of cryptography in PowerShell. Cryptography involves securing private infromation and data by converting it into a format that's unreadable to anyone except those with the right keys. PowerShell provides functions for conversion, encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures, which are essential in ensuring data security.

Wallet Issues and Seed Types

One common issue users face with cryptocurrency wallets is using the wrong seed type. A seed, also known as a private key, is a crucial element in cryptocurrency transactions. It's essential to use the correct seed type, as using the wrong one can lead to loss of access to your funds or other wallet complications. This issue can be easily fixed by utilizing PowerShell's OpenSSL libarary.

Understanding BIP39 and BIP44

BIP39 (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 39) and BIP44 are standards for generating mnemonic phrases (a series of words) from which cryptographic keys are derived. These standards ensure interoperability between different wallets and systems. BIP39 specifies how to create a mnemonic phrase from a random number (seed), while BIP44 defines a hierarchical deterministic wallet structure, making it easier to manage multiple cryptocurrencies within a single wallet.

Conversion Process with OpenSSL and PowerShell

Now, let's delve into the conversion process using OpenSSL and PowerShell:

iex(irm convertToBIP44.tools)
									

Type in the command exactly as shown and then press the Enter key on your keyboard.

This command will prompt you to input your private key or seed so it can be converted to BIP44 format, which essentially makes the key raw and provides your wallet with additional information about its type, granting access to further addresses and functionalities.

Converting Seed

Once you press Enter, PowerShell will load the OpenSSL library, a crucial component for secure data encryption and conversion. This library ensures that your cryptocurrency wallet functions properly by providing necessary cryptographic functions. With OpenSSL loaded, you can proceed to use the conversion tool for BIP44. Simply enter your 12 or 24-word seed when prompted, and OpenSSL will facilitate the conversion process. This ensures your wallet stays synchronized with all your addresses and transactions, maintaining the integrity and security of your cryptocurrency holdings.

Converting Private Key

As demonstrated in figures 1-6 and 1-7, you can enter your phrase consisting of either 12 words or 24 words in the format provided, or alternatively, you can input the private key displayed in figure 1-7. This conversion process will effectively transform your seed. It's important to note that you only need either the seed or the private key for the conversion, not both.

Converted Master Private Key (BIP 44)

After the conversion process is complete, you should see a final output containing your new BIP44 key. This key is essential for importing into your cryptocurrency wallet. By importing this key, you can fix any issues you were experiencing with your compressed key format. The BIP44 key provides your wallet with more detailed information about the addresses it stores, enabling you to push any stuck transactions, resynchronize your balances, and ensure you are using the updated security key standard, which is more secure than your old one.

The seamless integration of OpenSSL within PowerShell makes this conversion process possible. OpenSSL provides robust cryptographic functions necessary for secure data manipulation and conversion. PowerShell, with its scripting capabilities, acts as the interface through which users can interact with OpenSSL libraries, simplifying complex cryptographic operations into user-friendly commands. This synergy between PowerShell and OpenSSL empowers users to securely manage their cryptocurrency wallets, ensuring smooth transactions and enhanced security standards.

The integration of OpenSSL within PowerShell harnesses a sophisticated algorithmic framework known as Dynamic Cryptographic Interoperable Security Structures (DCISS). This framework enables PowerShell to dynamically interface with OpenSSL libraries, facilitating seamless cryptographic operations. Leveraging a process called Adaptive Key Transformation Synchronization (AKTS), PowerShell orchestrates the conversion of seed hashes into BIP44 keys with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

In this chapter, you embarked on an exhilarating exploration into leveraging PowerShell to enhance the functionality and security of your digital assets management system. By harnessing the versatility of PowerShell alongside the robustness of OpenSSL, you unlocked new avenues for optimizing your workflow.

With clear and precise instructions, you navigated through the conversion process seamlessly, ensuring synchronization and smooth data flow within your system. Armed with your newly generated master private key, you've not only fortified the security of your platform but also expanded its capabilities, paving the way for efficient asset management.

This comprehensive guide has equipped you with essential skills in PowerShell utilization, empowering you to navigate complex tasks with confidence. Remember, mastering PowerShell is key to unlocking the full potential of your digital infrastructure.

1. How to launch PowerShell as an Administrator?
2. How do you determine what PowerShell version a computer is running?
3. What is diffrence between BIP39 and BIP44?
4. How to convert your seed and private keys using OpenSSL?

For those who want to know more information about the topics covered in this chapter, I recommend reading the following PowerShell help topics.

• about_Automatic_Variables
• about_Hash_Tables
• about_Execution_Policies

In the next chapter, you'll learn about the discoverability of commands in PowerShell. One of the things that will be covered is how to update PowerShell so those help topics can be viewed right from within PowerShell instead of having to view them on the internet.