Modern Windows security relies on CNG for several "new" standard requirements:

: Using the MS_PLATFORM_CRYPTO_PROVIDER ensures that keys are physically tied to the device's TPM, making them non-exportable and highly secure.

MS_KEY_STORAGE_PROVIDER : The standard software-based provider.

: A Unicode string identifying the KSP. Common values include:

To create or open a key, you must first obtain a provider handle. NCryptOpenStorageProvider function (ncrypt.h) - Win32 apps

The function is defined in the ncrypt.h header and requires linking with ncrypt.lib .

MS_PLATFORM_CRYPTO_PROVIDER : The provider, used for hardware-bound keys.

: Currently, no flags are defined for this specific function, so it is typically set to 0 . Why Use NCryptOpenStorageProvider?