Snowflake Key Pair Authentication provides an enhanced security alternative to traditional username and password authentication.
This method relies on a public-private key pair, typically generated using OpenSSL, to establish secure connections.
Please go through snowflake documentation for more details https://docs.snowflake.com/en/user-guide/key-pair-auth
Follow the steps below to complete the Open SSL Setup
Option 1: Use the Official Shinning Light Installer (Recommended for simplicity)
- Go to https://slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html

- Download the latest version (choose depending on your system) and install the application
- Win64 OpenSSL v3.x.x for 64-bit systems
- Win32 OpenSSL v3.x.x for 32-bit (less common)
Option 2: Using PowerShell Command Prompt
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Download the OpenSSL Installer by running the following command
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://slproweb.com/download/Win64OpenSSL-3_5_2.exe" -OutFile "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\Win64OpenSSL-3_5_1.exe" - Open the Downloads Folder in File Explorer using below command
explorer "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads" - Install the OpenSSL Application
After a successful installation, add C:\Program Files\OpenSSL-Win64\bin to the Path variable in the system
environment variables.
Then check the installed Open SSL version by running the command below in the command prompt:
Private Key Generation
- Without Encryption:
Run the command in cmdopenssl genrsa 2048 | openssl pkcs8 -topk8 -inform PEM -out <private_key_filename.p8> -nocrypt - With Encryption:
Run the command in cmdopenssl genrsa 2048 | openssl pkcs8 -topk8 -v2 des3 -inform PEM -out <private_key_filename.p8>
You can find the file at the same location where the command was executed. Use File Explorer to verify that the file has been created.
→ Private key is generated
Public Key Generation
Run the below command in cmd
openssl rsa -in rsa_key.p8 -pubout -out <public_key_filename.pub>
You can find the file at the same location where the command was executed. Use File Explorer to verify that the file has been created.
→ Public key is generated
Open the public key file in the text editor. Copy only the key without line break






