The code that performs authentication, encoding, and encryption services that Windows-based applications access through the CryptoAPI. A CSP is responsible for creating keys, destroying them, and using them to perform a variety of cryptographic operations. Each CSP provides a different implementation of the CryptoAPI. Some provide stronger cryptographic algorithms, while others contain hardware components, such as smart cards. See also: smart card; CryptoAPI; service
In Microsoft Windows, a Cryptographic Service Provider (CSP) is a software library that implements the Cryptographic Application Programming Interface (CAPI). CSP's implement encoding and decoding functions, which computer's application programs may use for e.g. strong authentication of the user or for secure email.