DeveloperWiki:Signing Packages - ArchWiki

# DeveloperWiki:Signing Packages

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## Choose a UID

- Use a valid e-mail address: no obfuscation.
- The e-mail address should be reliable (do not use one you got from your ISP or a random free service).
- When in doubt, you should prefer using your `@archlinux.org` address.
- The UID also has to be the same as the `PACKAGER` variable you use to build packages.
- A correct UID looks like this: `Pierre Schmitz <pierre@archlinux.de>`
- We strongly advise you use your real name. It has to be exactly that found on official documents (passport, driver's license, etc.); see CAcert's practice on names.

## Create a key pair

1. Install `gnupg`.
2. Run: `gpg --gen-key`
   1. You may use the default: a never expiring 2048-bit RSA key for encryption and signing.
3. Create a revocation certificate, for use when/if your private key ever gets compromised:
   1. Run: `gpg -o ~/.gnupg/pierre@archlinux.de-revoke.asc --gen-revoke pierre@archlinux.de`
   2. Make sure to store this file in a secure location (and/or encrypt it with a passphrase); then delete the plaintext version.
4. Backup your private key: `gpg --export-secret-keys pierre@archlinux.de > pierre@archlinux.de-private.asc`

## Recommended: Get your key signed by CAcert

1. Create an account on CAcert.
2. Meet CAcert assurers and have them verify your official identification documents; see CAcert's assurance policy.
3. You will then be able to access a new part of the CAcert website and get your key signed:
   1. Export your public key: `gpg --export --armor pierre@archlinux.de > pierre@archlinux.de.asc`
   2. Paste the content of that file into the form on the CAcert website.
   3. Save the signed key from the CAcert website and import it: `gpg --import <filename>`

## Recommended: Get your key signed by other devs

1. When ever you meet with another dev, sign each others' keys.
2. Take this seriously: never sign a key when you cannot verify the other person's identity.
3. See CAcert's assurance policy for good guidelines.

## Publish your public key

1. Send your public key to a keyserver:
   1. Check your key id with: `gpg -k`
   2. Run: `gpg --send-keys KEY-ID`
2. Add your key fingerprint to your profile at https://www.archlinux.org/devel/profile/

## Be safe!

1. Create a backup of your keys and be sure not to forget the passphrase!

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