How to Generate a GPG/PGP Key Using SSH

This guide walks you through how to generate a GPG/PGP key using SSH. GPG and PGP keys provide robust encryption for secure communication, file encryption, and data protection.

GPG and PGP are actually cryptographic software packages that are meant to encode and secure data and communications often for e-mails and file transfer. They work based on public-key cryptography so that the users can encrypt and decrypt information.

• PGP or Pretty Good Privacy is the original program and is now proprietary software.
• GPG refers to GNU Privacy Guard that is the open-source implementation of OpenPGP, which is initially based on PGP. In essence, they are for similar purposes and fairly compatible with each other.

• Logging into SSH
• Generating a New GPG Key
• Viewing Your Generated Keys
• Where Your Keys Are Stored
• Summary

Logging into SSH

To begin, log into your server via SSH to access the command line interface. SSH access allows you to execute commands directly on your server, essential for generating encryption keys.

1. Open your preferred terminal.
2. Log into your server using SSH.

Generating a New GPG Key

Once logged in, follow these steps to generate a GPG/PGP key using SSH:

1. Type the following command to start the key generation process:

   gpg --gen-key

2. You will be guided through a few configuration steps:
   • Select Encryption Type: Choose the encryption method you prefer.
   • Enter Key Size: 1024 bits is a common key size, but you may specify others depending on your security needs.
   • Enter Expiration Date: Set an expiration date for your key, if needed.
   • Enter Name: Provide the name associated with the key.
   • Enter Email Address: Specify the email address linked to the key.
   • Enter Comment: Add an optional description to identify your key easily.
3. Confirm your settings by typing O (for "Okay").

Viewing Your Generated Keys

To view the list of keys you have created, run the following command:

gpg --list-key

This will display the keys, including any previously generated keys, for easy reference.

Where Your Keys Are Stored

By default, all keys generated through GPG are stored in the .gnupg directory located in your home folder:

Path:/home/username/.gnupg

Summary

Generating GPG/PGP keys using SSH is straightforward, providing essential encryption for secure communication. Use this guide to create, manage, and access your encryption keys directly from the SSH command line for improved data security.