Generate a strong pre-shared key  |  Cloud VPN  |  Google Cloud (2024)

Stay organized with collections Save and categorize content based on your preferences.

You can use a pre-shared key (also called a shared secret or PSK) toauthenticate the Cloud VPN tunnel to your peer VPN gateway. As a securitybest practice, we recommend that you generate a strong 32-characterpre-shared key.

For more information about Cloud VPN, see theCloud VPN overview.

For definitions of terms used on this page, seeKey terms.

Generated for you

Your browser generates the following random string by using theJavaScript snippet at the end of this page. It is 24 bytes fromCrypto.getRandomValues, and is base64-encoded to create a 32-characterpre-shared key.

By using this snippet, the private key stays securely in your browser. If youwant to generate it on your own system, use one of the generation methodslisted in the next section.

To generate a new random pre-shared key, click the Regenerate button.

Generation methods

Use the following methods to generate a strong 32-character pre-shared key.

OpenSSL

On a Linux or macOS system, run the followingOpenSSL command:

openssl rand -base64 24

/dev/urandom

On a Linux or macOS system, you can also use /dev/urandom as a pseudorandomsource to generate a pre-shared key:

  • On Linux or macOS, send the random input to base64:

    head -c 24 /dev/urandom | base64
  • Pass the random input through a hashing function, such as sha256:

    • On Linux:

      head -c 4096 /dev/urandom | sha256sum | cut -b1-32
    • On macOS:

      head -c 4096 /dev/urandom | openssl sha256 | cut -b1-32

JavaScript

You can generate the pre-shared key directly in a document by using JavaScriptwith theW3C Web Cryptography API.This API uses theCrypto.getRandomValues() method,which provides a cryptographically sound way of generating a pre-shared key.

The following code creates an array of 24 random bytes, and thenbase64 encodes those bytes to produce a random 32-character string:

 var a = new Uint8Array(24); window.crypto.getRandomValues(a); console.log(btoa(String.fromCharCode.apply(null, a)));

What's next

  • To use high-availability and high-throughput scenarios or multiplesubnet scenarios, seeAdvanced configurations.
  • To help you solve common issues that you might encounter when usingCloud VPN, see Troubleshooting.

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License, and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License. For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies. Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Last updated 2023-12-15 UTC.

The topic at hand delves into Network Connectivity and Cloud VPN, focusing on the setup and authentication process, specifically using pre-shared keys (PSK). As an expert in networking and cloud services, I can delve into the concepts mentioned.

  1. Home: Likely refers to the starting or landing page of a network or system.
  2. Docs: Documentation or instructional materials guiding users through various processes.
  3. Network Connectivity: The ability of devices, systems, or networks to connect and communicate with each other.
  4. Documentation: Information, guides, or references aiding in the understanding or utilization of a system or service.
  5. Cloud VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provided via the cloud, allowing secure connections between different networks or devices.
  6. Guides: Detailed instructions or manuals assisting users in navigating through processes or setups.
  7. Collections: A way to categorize and organize content or information based on user preferences.
  8. Pre-shared key (PSK): A cryptographic key shared between parties in advance to authenticate communication.
  9. Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or system.
  10. Security Best Practices: Recommended methods or protocols aimed at enhancing the security of systems or networks.
  11. Crypto.getRandomValues(): A method used in JavaScript to generate cryptographically secure random values.
  12. Base64 Encoding: A method to encode binary data into ASCII characters to ensure safe transmission.

The provided excerpt details the importance of generating a strong 32-character pre-shared key for Cloud VPN authentication. It offers various methods to generate this key, including using OpenSSL commands on Linux or macOS systems, employing JavaScript with the Web Cryptography API, or utilizing pseudorandom sources like /dev/urandom.

The mentioned "Regenerate" button allows the creation of a new random pre-shared key, ensuring security. Additionally, it hints at further advanced configurations for specific scenarios and troubleshooting tips for common issues encountered while using Cloud VPN.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for setting up and maintaining secure network connections, especially when dealing with cloud-based services like VPNs.

Generate a strong pre-shared key  |  Cloud VPN  |  Google Cloud (2024)

FAQs

How to get pre-shared key for VPN? ›

Check the Keychain (Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access). The Pre-Shared Key is usually saved here. Enter "Shared Secret" into the search bar to view a list of all your saved PSKs.

How to generate a psk key? ›

To create a PSK:
  1. Go to Settings > Advanced, and click the Pre-Shared Keys button.
  2. Click + to create PSK.
  3. Enter your recipient's name.
  4. Use the button to generate a strong, secure password, or enter a password of your choosing.
  5. Click Save.

What is the purpose of a pre-shared key when establishing a VPN connection? ›

You can use pre-shared keys for site-to-site VPN authentication and with third-party VPN clients. Both gateways create a hash value based on the pre-shared key and other information. The hash values are then exchanged and verified to authenticate the other party.

How to generate a shared key? ›

You can generate the pre-shared key directly in a document by using JavaScript with the W3C Web Cryptography API. This API uses the Crypto. getRandomValues() method, which provides a cryptographic way of generating a pre-shared key.

What does a pre-shared key look like? ›

A pre-shared key (PSK) is a super-long series of seemingly random letters and numbers generated when a device joins a network through a Wi-Fi access point (AP). The process begins when a user logs into the network using the SSID (name of the network) and password (sometimes called a passphrase).

Is a pre-shared key the same as a password? ›

A pre-shared key is basically just a shared secret or password that is used to authenticate an individual attempting to join a wireless network (no username or identification or than the key is required).

How to create a VPN key? ›

Manual Key VPN Configuration Example
  1. Step 1: Configure interfaces.
  2. Step 2: Configure a tunnel name VPN1.
  3. Step 3: Configure routes.
  4. Step 4: Configure policy rules.

Is PSK the same as Wi-Fi password? ›

Note: The WEP key or WPA/WPA2 preshared key/passphrase is not the same as the password for the access point. The password lets you access the access point settings. The WEP key or WPA/WPA2 preshared key/passphrase allows printers and computers to join your wireless network.

What is my PSK network key? ›

The PSK is typically a passphrase or password that is known to both the network administrator (who configures the access point) and the users of the network (who enter the passphrase on their devices). During the initial setup, the client devices and the access point negotiate the encryption key based on the PSK.

How does PSK work? ›

Phase-shift keying (PSK) is a digital modulation process which conveys data by changing (modulating) the phase of a constant frequency carrier wave. The modulation is accomplished by varying the sine and cosine inputs at a precise time. It is widely used for wireless LANs, RFID and Bluetooth communication.

What is the PSK authentication method? ›

PSK Authentication ​
  1. Create a file data/psk_file. txt in any directory, containing the identity and secret value of the pre-shared key. The secret value can be any string. ...
  2. Add the psk_authentication configuration group in the emqx. conf configuration file. ...
  3. Configure the SSL listener in the emqx. conf configuration file.

How to generate psk? ›

1. Using OpenSSL Command. OpenSSL is a well-known and widely-used command-line tool used to invoke the various cryptography functions of OpenSSL's crypto library from the shell. To generate a strong PSK use its rand sub-command which generates pseudo-random bytes and filter it through base64 encodings as shown.

Which protocol is used for generating preshared keys? ›

Final answer: The protocol used for generating preshared keys is WPA2, which uses a preshared key (PSK) and the AES algorithm for secure wireless connections.

What is the difference between secret key and shared key? ›

During authentication, random numbers are generated and exchanged, similar to the shared secret key protocol. The only difference is that the public key of the receiving node is used by the sending node to encrypt the random number, while the secret key of the receiving node is used to decrypt the received number.

How to find WPA pre-shared key? ›

Where do I find my WEP key or WPA/WPA2 preshared key/passphrase?
  1. Contact your system support person. The person who set up your network usually keeps the WEP key or WPA/WPA2 preshared key/passphrase. ...
  2. See the documentation that came with your access point (wireless router). ...
  3. View the security settings on the access point.

How do I find my pre-shared key for SonicWALL VPN? ›

Click the + sign next to Group VPN to reveal two sections: My Identity and Security Policy. Select My Identity to view the settings. 5. Click Pre-Shared Key to enter the Pre-Shared Secret created in the Group VPN settings in the SonicWALL appliance.

How do I create an open VPN key? ›

Initialize the OpenVPN configuration
  1. Press Windows Key and R key, type cmd and press Enter key.
  2. Navigate to %ProgramFiles%\OpenVPN\easy-rsa (e.g. D:\OpenVPN\easy-rsa). cd D:\OpenVPN\easy-rsa.
  3. Initialize the configurations. ...
  4. Open the vars. ...
  5. Run the following commands, make sure you are operating in a clean environment.

Top Articles
Understanding the Worth of Your Pre-Owned Jewelry
Credit Report, How Do I Get A Bankruptcy Removed From My Report? | Central District of California
Cottonwood Vet Ottawa Ks
Overnight Cleaner Jobs
Meer klaarheid bij toewijzing rechter
Otis Department Of Corrections
Plus Portals Stscg
Walgreens Alma School And Dynamite
Day Octopus | Hawaii Marine Life
All Obituaries | Ashley's J H Williams & Sons, Inc. | Selma AL funeral home and cremation
Little Rock Arkansas Craigslist
Oppenheimer Showtimes Near Cinemark Denton
Amelia Bissoon Wedding
Binghamton Ny Cars Craigslist
Raleigh Craigs List
Byte Delta Dental
Truck Trader Pennsylvania
"Une héroïne" : les funérailles de Rebecca Cheptegei, athlète olympique immolée par son compagnon | TF1 INFO
Toy Story 3 Animation Screencaps
Andhrajyothy Sunday Magazine
Earl David Worden Military Service
Reptile Expo Fayetteville Nc
Today Was A Good Day With Lyrics
Georgia Cash 3 Midday-Lottery Results & Winning Numbers
The Largest Banks - ​​How to Transfer Money With Only Card Number and CVV (2024)
12 Facts About John J. McCloy: The 20th Century’s Most Powerful American?
Haunted Mansion Showtimes Near Epic Theatres Of West Volusia
Powerschool Mcvsd
Frank Vascellaro
Emuaid Max First Aid Ointment 2 Ounce Fake Review Analysis
Ghid depunere declarație unică
Panchang 2022 Usa
Lowell Car Accident Lawyer Kiley Law Group
Powerspec G512
Acadis Portal Missouri
How To Get Soul Reaper Knife In Critical Legends
Indiana Jones 5 Showtimes Near Cinemark Stroud Mall And Xd
Weather In Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Metropolitan Area 10 Days
Sound Of Freedom Showtimes Near Amc Mountainside 10
Ups Authorized Shipping Provider Price Photos
Chr Pop Pulse
What is a lifetime maximum benefit? | healthinsurance.org
Movie Hax
Rocket League Tracker: A useful tool for every player
Bank Of America Appointments Near Me
Minterns German Shepherds
Marcel Boom X
Blog Pch
Diablo Spawns Blox Fruits
Bluebird Valuation Appraiser Login
La Fitness Oxford Valley Class Schedule
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5652

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.