How is this method any different from encrypting the private key without any secure enclave?

Isn't it just using a password derived key?

The key is stored encrypted with a unique symmetric key that only your secure enclave knows until the point that you export it. It then re-encrypts it with the password.

Until you export it it's just as strong as an enclave-generated one.

Obviously don't keep the exported password encrypted key around and don't use a weak password for export.

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gruez 20 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

>The key is stored encrypted with a unique symmetric key that only your secure enclave knows until the point that you export it. It then re-encrypts it with the password.

But what's the security benefit of this compared to having a keyfile? So far as I can tell from the commands you provided, there's no real difference, aside from a hacker having to modify their stealer script slightly.

	▲	arianvanp 11 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		Why is it more secure: a key file on disk is decrypted into memory every time you enter your passphrase. It means the key is around in plain text in the memory of ssh or ssh-agent. Which means it's extractable by an attacker. An exportable key does all the signing inside the secure enclave and never exposes the decrypted key to OS memory. The exported key you can keep in a safe for disaster recovery. You shouldn't keep it on your computer of course.

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14 minutes ago | parent | prev [-]

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