DeveloperWiki:Signing Packages

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 <[e-mail]>
• 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/[e-mail] --gen-revoke [e-mail]
   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 [e-mail] > [e-mail]

Recommended: Get your key signed by CAcert

1. Create an account on CAcert.^{[dead link 2021-05-17 ⓘ]}
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 [e-mail] > [e-mail]
   2. Paste the content of that file into the form on the CAcert website^{[dead link 2021-05-17 ⓘ]}.
   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:
2. Add your key fingerprint to your profile at https://archlinux.org/devel/profile/

Be safe!

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