Chapter 4. String Encryption and Decryption

Large enterprises often have very strict security standards that are required by industry-specific regulations. When you are creating your Windows server scanning script, you will need to approach the script carefully with certain security concepts in mind. One of the most common situations you may encounter is the need to leverage sensitive data, such as credentials, in your script. While you could prompt for sensitive data during runtime, most enterprises want to automate the full script using zero-touch automation.

Zero-touch automation requires that the scripts are self-contained and have all of the required credentials and components to successfully run. The problem with incorporating sensitive data in the script, however, is that data can be obtained in clear text. The usage of clear text passwords in scripts is a bad practice, and violates many regulatory and security standards.

As a result, PowerShell scripters need a method to...