Base64 and Encryption Strength Answer
Your question:
Are there any security implications of converting a byte-array encryption key into a Base64 string before use?
I am creating a generic encryption helper for a project, and for the sake of consistency and generality, I use byte arrays for all inputs and outputs (plain data, key, salt, etc)
Assignment Help Answers with Step-by-Step Explanation:
Padding: Base64 encoding typically includes padding characters (usually '=' signs) at the end of the encoded string to make the length a multiple of 4. Make sure that your encryption library can handle keys with padding characters if they are present.
Storage and Transmission: If you need to store or transmit the Base64-encoded key, be mindful of how you handle it. Ensure that the key is kept confidential and transmitted securely if necessary. Avoid exposing the key in logs, source code, or configuration files.