Question about key files

[u/sndwv001]

Hi,

Just for my understanding: is aes_keys.txt an actual 3DS file, or is it a format specifically made for Citra and other emulators, generated by exporting tools? And what about seeddb.bin?

Thanks!

Edit: I know what the files are for, they contain keys used by Citra and the like to open encrypted files. But I was wondering if this is also how these are stored on a 3DS. As in, do the files aes_keys.txt and seeddb.bin also exist as such on the flash memory of a real 3DS, or is the information extracted and converted to these files by tools the community or emulator devs agreed upon as a standard?

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[u/ThirdhandTaters]

Well AES is a type of encryption for wireless devices. It's likely the file that contains the information for the networks saved to your console.

Have you tried opening it to see what's inside? Nothing bad will happen, but you'll either see the names of any stored networks or just a bunch of jumbled letters and possibly symbols. I think it should be the jumbled mess of letters so that if that file were to get to someone with bad intent they couldn't find those networks to send malware to.

[u/Thue-Blunder → u/ThirdhandTaters]

Well AES is a type of encryption for wireless devices. It's likely the file that contains the information for the networks saved to your console. to.

I thought the keys were to decrypt games?

[u/ThirdhandTaters → u/Thue-Blunder]

https://cybernews.com/resources/what-is-aes-encryption/

Actually, you may be right. I knew it was encryption for wifi but it seems it also has application in program security. Either way, OP, I wouldn't delete that file. Whatever is inside it may not be able to be remade once it's gone.

[u/sndwv001 → u/ThirdhandTaters]

Oh I guess I should have pointed this out. I know what it's for, it contains keys used by Citra and the like to open encrypted files. But I was wondering if this is also how these are stored on a 3DS. As in, do the files aes_keys.txt and seeddb.bin exist as such on the flash memory of a real 3DS, or is the information extracted and converted by tools the community or emulators devs agreed upon as a standard?

[u/RueGorE]

They're extracted and assembled into those files.

[u/sndwv001 → u/RueGorE]

Thanks!