This is a practical guide to using [YubiKey](https://www.yubico.com/faq/yubikey/) as a [SmartCard](https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/38924/how-does-storing-gpg-ssh-private-keys-on-smart-cards-compare-to-plain-usb-drives) for storing GPG encryption and signing keys. An authentication key can also be created for SSH and used with [gpg-agent](https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/188668/how-does-gpg-agent-work/188813#188813). Keys stored on a smartcard like YubiKey seem more difficult to steal than ones stored on disk, and are convenient for everyday use. Instructions written for Debian GNU/Linux 8 (jessie) using YubiKey 4 in OTP+CCID mode. Note, older YubiKeys are limited to 2048 bit RSA keys. Debian live install images are available from [here](https://www.debian.org/CD/live/) and are suitable for writing to USB drives. Programming YubiKey for GPG keys still lets you use its two slots - [OTP](https://www.yubico.com/faq/what-is-a-one-time-password-otp/) and [static password](https://www.yubico.com/products/services-software/personalization-tools/static-password/) modes, for example. If you have a comment or suggestion, please open an [issue](https://github.com/drduh/YubiKey-Guide/issues) on GitHub. - [Purchase YubiKey](#purchase-yubikey) - [Install required software](#install-required-software) - [Creating keys](#creating-keys) - [Create temporary working directory for GPG](#create-temporary-working-directory-for-gpg) - [Create configuration](#create-configuration) - [Create master key](#create-master-key) - [Save Key ID](#save-key-id) - [Create revocation certificate](#create-revocation-certificate) - [Back up master key](#back-up-master-key) - [Create subkeys](#create-subkeys) - [Signing key](#signing-key) - [Encryption key](#encryption-key) - [Authentication key](#authentication-key) - [Check your work](#check-your-work) - [Export subkeys](#export-subkeys) - [Back up everything](#back-up-everything) - [Configure YubiKey](#configure-yubikey) - [Configure smartcard](#configure-smartcard) - [Change PINs](#change-pins) - [Set card information](#set-card-information) - [Transfer keys](#transfer-keys) - [Signature key](#signature-key) - [Encryption key](#encryption-key-1) - [Authentication key](#authentication-key-1) - [Check your work](#check-your-work-1) - [Export public key](#export-public-key) - [Finish](#finish) - [Using keys](#using-keys) - [Create GPG configuration](#create-gpg-configuration) - [Import public key](#import-public-key) - [Insert YubiKey](#insert-yubikey) - [GnuPG](#gnupg) - [Trust master key](#trust-master-key) - [Encryption](#encryption) - [Decryption](#decryption) - [Signing](#signing) - [Verifying signature](#verifying-signature) - [SSH](#ssh) - [Update configuration](#update-configuration) - [Replace ssh-agent with gpg-agent](#replace-ssh-agent-with-gpg-agent) - [Copy public key to server](#copy-public-key-to-server) - [Connect with public key authentication](#connect-with-public-key-authentication) - [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) - [References](#references) # Purchase YubiKey https://www.yubico.com/products/yubikey-hardware/ https://www.yubico.com/store/ https://www.amazon.com/Yubico/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_10358012011?ie=UTF8&node=10358012011 Consider purchasing a pair and programming both in case of loss or damage to one of them. # Install required software You will need to install the following software: $ sudo apt-get install -y gnupg2 gnupg-agent pinentry-curses scdaemon pcscd yubikey-personalization libusb-1.0-0-dev You may also need to download and install more recent versions of [yubikey-personalization](https://developers.yubico.com/yubikey-personalization/Releases/) and [yubico-c](https://developers.yubico.com/yubico-c/Releases/): $ curl -sO https://developers.yubico.com/yubikey-personalization/Releases/ykpers-1.17.3.tar.gz $ !!.sig curl -sO https://developers.yubico.com/yubikey-personalization/Releases/ykpers-1.17.3.tar.gz.sig $ gpg ykpers*sig gpg: assuming signed data in `ykpers-1.17.3.tar.gz' gpg: Signature made Mon 28 Dec 2015 11:56:41 AM UTC gpg: using RSA key 0xBCA00FD4B2168C0A gpg: Can't check signature: public key not found $ gpg --recv 0xBCA00FD4B2168C0A gpg: requesting key 0xBCA00FD4B2168C0A from hkps server hkps.pool.sks-keyservers.net mp/2.3 [...] gpg: key 0xBCA00FD4B2168C0A: public key "Klas Lindfors " imported gpg: 3 marginal(s) needed, 1 complete(s) needed, PGP trust model gpg: depth: 0 valid: 1 signed: 0 trust: 0-, 0q, 0n, 0m, 0f, 1u gpg: Total number processed: 1 gpg: imported: 1 (RSA: 1) $ gpg ykpers*sig gpg: assuming signed data in `ykpers-1.17.3.tar.gz' gpg: Signature made Mon 28 Dec 2015 11:56:41 AM UTC gpg: using RSA key 0xBCA00FD4B2168C0A gpg: Good signature from "Klas Lindfors " [unknown] gpg: WARNING: This key is not certified with a trusted signature! gpg: There is no indication that the signature belongs to the owner. Primary key fingerprint: 0A3B 0262 BCA1 7053 07D5 FF06 BCA0 0FD4 B216 8C0A $ curl -sO https://developers.yubico.com/yubico-c/Releases/libyubikey-1.13.tar.gz $ !!.sig curl -sO https://developers.yubico.com/yubico-c/Releases/libyubikey-1.13.tar.gz.sig $ gpg libyubi*sig gpg: assuming signed data in `libyubikey-1.13.tar.gz' gpg: Signature made Thu 05 Mar 2015 11:51:51 AM UTC gpg: using RSA key 0xBCA00FD4B2168C0A gpg: Good signature from "Klas Lindfors " [unknown] gpg: WARNING: This key is not certified with a trusted signature! gpg: There is no indication that the signature belongs to the owner. Primary key fingerprint: 0A3B 0262 BCA1 7053 07D5 FF06 BCA0 0FD4 B216 8C0A $ tar xf libyubikey-1.13.tar.gz $ cd libyubikey-1.13 $ ./configure && make && sudo make install $ cd .. $ tar xf ykpers-1.17.3.tar.gz $ cd ykpers-1.17.3 $ ./configure && make && sudo make install $ sudo ldconfig If on [Tails](https://tails.boum.org/), you also need to install libykpers-1-1 from the testing repository. This is a temporary fix suggested on a [securedrop issue](https://github.com/freedomofpress/securedrop/issues/1035): $ sudo apt-get install -t testing libykpers-1-1 # Creating keys ## Create temporary working directory for GPG Create a directory in `/tmp` which won't survive a [reboot](https://serverfault.com/questions/377348/when-does-tmp-get-cleared): $ export GNUPGHOME=$(mktemp -d) ; echo $GNUPGHOME /tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo ## Create configuration Paste the following [text](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2500436/how-does-cat-eof-work-in-bash) into a terminal window to create a [recommended](https://github.com/drduh/config/blob/master/gpg.conf) GPG configuration: $ cat << EOF > $GNUPGHOME/gpg.conf use-agent personal-cipher-preferences AES256 AES192 AES CAST5 personal-digest-preferences SHA512 SHA384 SHA256 SHA224 default-preference-list SHA512 SHA384 SHA256 SHA224 AES256 AES192 AES CAST5 ZLIB BZIP2 ZIP Uncompressed cert-digest-algo SHA512 s2k-digest-algo SHA512 s2k-cipher-algo AES256 charset utf-8 fixed-list-mode no-comments no-emit-version keyid-format 0xlong list-options show-uid-validity verify-options show-uid-validity with-fingerprint EOF ## Create master key Generate a new key with GPG, selecting RSA (sign only) and the appropriate keysize, optionally specifying an expiry: $ gpg --gen-key Please select what kind of key you want: (1) RSA and RSA (default) (2) DSA and Elgamal (3) DSA (sign only) (4) RSA (sign only) Your selection? 4 RSA keys may be between 1024 and 4096 bits long. What keysize do you want? (2048) 4096 Requested keysize is 4096 bits Please specify how long the key should be valid. 0 = key does not expire = key expires in n days w = key expires in n weeks m = key expires in n months y = key expires in n years Key is valid for? (0) 0 Key does not expire at all Is this correct? (y/N) y You need a user ID to identify your key; the software constructs the user ID from the Real Name, Comment and Email Address in this form: "Heinrich Heine (Der Dichter) " Real name: Dr Duh Email address: doc@duh.to Comment: You selected this USER-ID: "Dr Duh " Change (N)ame, (C)omment, (E)mail or (O)kay/(Q)uit? o You need a Passphrase to protect your secret key. gpg: key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB marked as ultimately trusted public and secret key created and signed. gpg: checking the trustdb gpg: 3 marginal(s) needed, 1 complete(s) needed, PGP trust model gpg: depth: 0 valid: 1 signed: 0 trust: 0-, 0q, 0n, 0m, 0f, 1u pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB 2016-05-24 Key fingerprint = 011C E16B D45B 27A5 5BA8 776D FF3E 7D88 647E BCDB uid [ultimate] Dr Duh Note that this key cannot be used for encryption. You may want to use the command "--edit-key" to generate a subkey for this purpose. Keep this passphrase handy as you'll need it throughout. ## Save Key ID Export the key ID as a [variable](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1158091/defining-a-variable-with-or-without-export/1158231#1158231) for use throughout: $ KEYID=0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB ## Create revocation certificate Create a way to revoke your keys in case of loss or compromise, an explicit reason being optional: $ gpg --gen-revoke $KEYID > $GNUPGHOME/revoke.txt sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB 2016-05-24 Dr Duh Create a revocation certificate for this key? (y/N) y Please select the reason for the revocation: 0 = No reason specified 1 = Key has been compromised 2 = Key is superseded 3 = Key is no longer used Q = Cancel (Probably you want to select 1 here) Your decision? 1 Enter an optional description; end it with an empty line: > Reason for revocation: Key has been compromised (No description given) Is this okay? (y/N) y You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB, created 2016-05-24 ASCII armored output forced. Revocation certificate created. Please move it to a medium which you can hide away; if Mallory gets access to this certificate he can use it to make your key unusable. It is smart to print this certificate and store it away, just in case your media become unreadable. But have some caution: The print system of your machine might store the data and make it available to others! ## Back up master key Save a copy of the private key block: $ gpg --armor --export-secret-keys $KEYID > $GNUPGHOME/master.key ## Create subkeys Edit the key to add subkeys: $ gpg --expert --edit-key $KEYID Secret key is available. pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: ultimate validity: ultimate [ultimate] (1). Dr Duh ### Signing key First, create a [signing key](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/5421107/can-rsa-be-both-used-as-encryption-and-signature/5432623#5432623), selecting RSA (sign only): gpg> addkey Key is protected. You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB, created 2016-05-24 Please select what kind of key you want: (3) DSA (sign only) (4) RSA (sign only) (5) Elgamal (encrypt only) (6) RSA (encrypt only) (7) DSA (set your own capabilities) (8) RSA (set your own capabilities) Your selection? 4 RSA keys may be between 1024 and 4096 bits long. What keysize do you want? (2048) 4096 Requested keysize is 4096 bits Please specify how long the key should be valid. 0 = key does not expire = key expires in n days w = key expires in n weeks m = key expires in n months y = key expires in n years Key is valid for? (0) 0 Key does not expire at all Is this correct? (y/N) y Really create? (y/N) y We need to generate a lot of random bytes. It is a good idea to perform some other action (type on the keyboard, move the mouse, utilize the disks) during the prime generation; this gives the random number generator a better chance to gain enough entropy. ...................+++++ ..+++++ pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: ultimate validity: ultimate sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S [ultimate] (1). Dr Duh ### Encryption key Next, create an [encryption key](https://www.cs.cornell.edu/courses/cs5430/2015sp/notes/rsa_sign_vs_dec.php), selecting RSA (encrypt only): gpg> addkey Key is protected. You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB, created 2016-05-24 Please select what kind of key you want: (3) DSA (sign only) (4) RSA (sign only) (5) Elgamal (encrypt only) (6) RSA (encrypt only) (7) DSA (set your own capabilities) (8) RSA (set your own capabilities) Your selection? 6 RSA keys may be between 1024 and 4096 bits long. What keysize do you want? (2048) 4096 Requested keysize is 4096 bits Please specify how long the key should be valid. 0 = key does not expire = key expires in n days w = key expires in n weeks m = key expires in n months y = key expires in n years Key is valid for? (0) 0 Key does not expire at all Is this correct? (y/N) y Really create? (y/N) y We need to generate a lot of random bytes. It is a good idea to perform some other action (type on the keyboard, move the mouse, utilize the disks) during the prime generation; this gives the random number generator a better chance to gain enough entropy. .+++++ ...........+++++ pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: ultimate validity: ultimate sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S sub 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: E [ultimate] (1). Dr Duh ### Authentication key Finally, create an [authentication key](https://superuser.com/questions/390265/what-is-a-gpg-with-authenticate-capability-used-for), selecting RSA (set your own capabilities): gpg> addkey Key is protected. You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB, created 2016-05-24 Please select what kind of key you want: (3) DSA (sign only) (4) RSA (sign only) (5) Elgamal (encrypt only) (6) RSA (encrypt only) (7) DSA (set your own capabilities) (8) RSA (set your own capabilities) Your selection? 8 Possible actions for a RSA key: Sign Encrypt Authenticate Current allowed actions: Sign Encrypt (S) Toggle the sign capability (E) Toggle the encrypt capability (A) Toggle the authenticate capability (Q) Finished Your selection? s Possible actions for a RSA key: Sign Encrypt Authenticate Current allowed actions: Encrypt (S) Toggle the sign capability (E) Toggle the encrypt capability (A) Toggle the authenticate capability (Q) Finished Your selection? e Possible actions for a RSA key: Sign Encrypt Authenticate Current allowed actions: (S) Toggle the sign capability (E) Toggle the encrypt capability (A) Toggle the authenticate capability (Q) Finished Your selection? a Possible actions for a RSA key: Sign Encrypt Authenticate Current allowed actions: Authenticate (S) Toggle the sign capability (E) Toggle the encrypt capability (A) Toggle the authenticate capability (Q) Finished Your selection? q RSA keys may be between 1024 and 4096 bits long. What keysize do you want? (2048) 4096 Requested keysize is 4096 bits Please specify how long the key should be valid. 0 = key does not expire = key expires in n days w = key expires in n weeks m = key expires in n months y = key expires in n years Key is valid for? (0) 0 Key does not expire at all Is this correct? (y/N) y Really create? (y/N) y We need to generate a lot of random bytes. It is a good idea to perform some other action (type on the keyboard, move the mouse, utilize the disks) during the prime generation; this gives the random number generator a better chance to gain enough entropy. +++++ .....+++++ pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: ultimate validity: ultimate sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S sub 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: E sub 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: A [ultimate] (1). Dr Duh gpg> save ## Check your work List your new secret keys: $ gpg --list-secret-keys /tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/secring.gpg ------------------------------- sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB 2016-05-24 Key fingerprint = 011C E16B D45B 27A5 5BA8 776D FF3E 7D88 647E BCDB uid Dr Duh ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 2016-05-24 ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF 2016-05-24 ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D 2016-05-24 Verify with OpenPGP key checks: Use the automated [key best practice checker](https://riseup.net/en/security/message-security/openpgp/best-practices#openpgp-key-checks): ``` $ sudo apt-get install hopenpgp-tools $ hkt export-pubkeys $KEYID | hokey lint ``` The output will display any problems with your key in red text. If everything is green, your key passes each of the tests below. If it is red, your key has failed one of the tests. ## Export subkeys Save a copy of your subkeys: $ gpg --armor --export-secret-keys $KEYID > $GNUPGHOME/mastersub.key $ gpg --armor --export-secret-subkeys $KEYID > $GNUPGHOME/sub.key ## Back up everything Once keys are moved to hardware, they cannot be extracted again (otherwise, what would be the point?), so make sure you have made an *encrypted* backup before proceeding. To create an encrypted USB drive, first attach it and check its label: $ dmesg | tail [ 7667.607011] scsi8 : usb-storage 2-1:1.0 [ 7667.608766] usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage [ 7668.874016] scsi 8:0:0:0: USB 0: 0 ANSI: 6 [ 7668.874242] sd 8:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg4 type 0 [ 7668.874682] sd 8:0:0:0: [sde] 62980096 512-byte logical blocks: (32.2 GB/30.0 GiB) [ 7668.875022] sd 8:0:0:0: [sde] Write Protect is off [ 7668.875023] sd 8:0:0:0: [sde] Mode Sense: 43 00 00 00 [ 7668.877939] sde: sde1 [ 7668.879514] sd 8:0:0:0: [sde] Attached SCSI removable disk Check the size to make sure it's the right drive: $ sudo fdisk -l | grep /dev/sde Disk /dev/sde: 30 GiB, 32245809152 bytes, 62980096 sectors /dev/sde1 2048 62980095 62978048 30G 6 FAT16 Erase and create a new partition table: $ sudo fdisk /dev/sde Welcome to fdisk (util-linux 2.25.2). Changes will remain in memory only, until you decide to write them. Be careful before using the write command. Command (m for help): o Created a new DOS disklabel with disk identifier 0xeac7ee35. Command (m for help): w The partition table has been altered. Calling ioctl() to re-read partition table. Syncing disks. Remove and reinsert the USB drive, then create a new partition, selecting defaults:: $ sudo fdisk /dev/sde Welcome to fdisk (util-linux 2.25.2). Changes will remain in memory only, until you decide to write them. Be careful before using the write command. Command (m for help): n Partition type p primary (0 primary, 0 extended, 4 free) e extended (container for logical partitions) Select (default p): p Partition number (1-4, default 1): 1 First sector (2048-62980095, default 2048): Last sector, +sectors or +size{K,M,G,T,P} (2048-62980095, default 62980095): Created a new partition 1 of type 'Linux' and of size 30 GiB. Command (m for help): w The partition table has been altered. Calling ioctl() to re-read partition table. Syncing disks. Use [LUKS](https://askubuntu.com/questions/97196/how-secure-is-an-encrypted-luks-filesystem) to encrypt the new partition: $ sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sde1 WARNING! ======== This will overwrite data on /dev/sde1 irrevocably. Are you sure? (Type uppercase yes): YES Enter passphrase: Verify passphrase: Mount the partition: $ sudo cryptsetup luksOpen /dev/sde1 encrypted-usb Enter passphrase for /dev/sde1: Create a filesystem: $ sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/mapper/encrypted-usb -L encrypted-usb mke2fs 1.42.12 (29-Aug-2014) Creating filesystem with 7871744 4k blocks and 1970416 inodes Superblock backups stored on blocks: 32768, 98304, 163840, 229376, 294912, 819200, 884736, 1605632, 2654208, 4096000 Allocating group tables: done Writing inode tables: done Creating journal (32768 blocks): done Writing superblocks and filesystem accounting information: done Mount the filesystem: $ sudo mkdir /mnt/usb $ sudo mount /dev/mapper/encrypted-usb /mnt/usb Finally, copy files to it: $ sudo cp -avi $GNUPGHOME /mnt/usb ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/revoke.txt’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/revoke.txt’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/gpg.conf’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/gpg.conf’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/trustdb.gpg’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/trustdb.gpg’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/random_seed’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/random_seed’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/master.key’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/master.key’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/secring.gpg’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/secring.gpg’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/mastersub.key’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/mastersub.key’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/sub.key’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/sub.key’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/pubring.gpg~’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/pubring.gpg~’ ‘/tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/pubring.gpg’ -> ‘/mnt/usb/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/pubring.gpg’ Make sure the correct files were copied, then unmount and disconnected the encrypted USB drive: $ sudo umount /mnt/usb $ sudo cryptsetup luksClose encrypted-usb ## Configure YubiKey Plug in your YubiKey and configure it: $ ykpersonalize -m82 Firmware version 4.2.7 Touch level 527 Program sequence 4 The USB mode will be set to: 0x82 Commit? (y/n) [n]: y > The -m option is the mode command. To see the different modes, enter ykpersonalize –help. Mode 82 (in hex) enables the YubiKey NEO as a composite USB device (HID + CCID) and allows OTPs to be emitted while in use as a smart card. Once you have changed the mode, you need to re-boot the YubiKey – so remove and re-insert it. > On YubiKey NEO with firmware version 3.3 or higher you can enable composite USB device with -m86 instead of -m82. https://www.yubico.com/2012/12/yubikey-neo-openpgp/ https://www.yubico.com/2012/12/yubikey-neo-composite-device/ ## Configure smartcard Use GPG to configure YubiKey as a smartcard: $ gpg --card-edit Application ID ...: D2760001240102010006055532110000 Version ..........: 2.1 Manufacturer .....: unknown Serial number ....: 05553211 Name of cardholder: [not set] Language prefs ...: [not set] Sex ..............: unspecified URL of public key : [not set] Login data .......: [not set] Private DO 1 .....: [not set] Private DO 2 .....: [not set] Signature PIN ....: not forced Key attributes ...: 2048R 2048R 2048R Max. PIN lengths .: 127 127 127 PIN retry counter : 3 3 3 Signature counter : 0 Signature key ....: [none] Encryption key....: [none] Authentication key: [none] General key info..: [none] ### Change PINs The default PIN codes are `12345678` and `123456`. gpg/card> admin Admin commands are allowed gpg/card> passwd gpg: OpenPGP card no. D2760001240102010006055532110000 detected 1 - change PIN 2 - unblock PIN 3 - change Admin PIN 4 - set the Reset Code Q - quit Your selection? 3 PIN changed. 1 - change PIN 2 - unblock PIN 3 - change Admin PIN 4 - set the Reset Code Q - quit 1 - change PIN 2 - unblock PIN 3 - change Admin PIN 4 - set the Reset Code Q - quit Your selection? 1 PIN changed. 1 - change PIN 2 - unblock PIN 3 - change Admin PIN 4 - set the Reset Code Q - quit Your selection? q ### Set card information Some fields are optional: gpg/card> name Cardholder's surname: Duh Cardholder's given name: Dr gpg/card> lang Language preferences: en gpg/card> login Login data (account name): doc@duh.to gpg/card> (Press Enter) Application ID ...: D2760001240102010006055532110000 Version ..........: 2.1 Manufacturer .....: unknown Serial number ....: 05553211 Name of cardholder: Dr Duh Language prefs ...: en Sex ..............: unspecified URL of public key : [not set] Login data .......: doc@duh.to Private DO 4 .....: [not set] Signature PIN ....: not forced Key attributes ...: 2048R 2048R 2048R Max. PIN lengths .: 127 127 127 PIN retry counter : 3 3 3 Signature counter : 0 Signature key ....: [none] Encryption key....: [none] Authentication key: [none] General key info..: [none] gpg/card> quit ## Transfer keys Transfering keys to YubiKey hardware is a one-way operation only, so make sure you've made a backup before proceeding: $ gpg --edit-key $KEYID Secret key is available. pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: ultimate validity: ultimate sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S sub 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: E sub 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: A [ultimate] (1). Dr Duh gpg> toggle sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh gpg> key 1 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb* 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh ### Signature key Move the signature key (you will be prompted for the key passphrase and admin PIN): gpg> keytocard Signature key ....: [none] Encryption key....: [none] Authentication key: [none] Please select where to store the key: (1) Signature key (3) Authentication key Your selection? 1 You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0xBECFA3C1AE191D15, created 2016-05-24 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb* 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh ### Encryption key Type `key 1` again to deselect and `key 2` to select the next key: gpg> key 1 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh gpg> key 2 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb* 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh Move the encryption key to card: gpg> keytocard Signature key ....: 07AA 7735 E502 C5EB E09E B8B0 BECF A3C1 AE19 1D15 Encryption key....: [none] Authentication key: [none] Please select where to store the key: (2) Encryption key Your selection? 2 You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0x5912A795E90DD2CF, created 2016-05-24 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb* 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh ### Authentication key Type `key 2` again to deselect and `key 3` to select the next key: gpg> key 2 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh gpg> key 3 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb* 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never (1) Dr Duh Move the authentication key to card: gpg> keytocard Signature key ....: 07AA 7735 E502 C5EB E09E B8B0 BECF A3C1 AE19 1D15 Encryption key....: 6F26 6F46 845B BEB8 BDF3 7E9B 5912 A795 E90D D2CF Authentication key: [none] Please select where to store the key: (3) Authentication key Your selection? 3 You need a passphrase to unlock the secret key for user: "Dr Duh " 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0x3F29127E79649A3D, created 2016-05-24 sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb* 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 (1) Dr Duh Save and quit: gpg> save ## Check your work `ssb>` indicates a stub to the private key on smartcard: $ gpg --list-secret-keys /tmp/tmp.aaiTTovYgo/secring.gpg ------------------------------- sec 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB 2016-05-24 Key fingerprint = 011C E16B D45B 27A5 5BA8 776D FF3E 7D88 647E BCDB uid Dr Duh ssb> 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 2016-05-24 ssb> 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF 2016-05-24 ssb> 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D 2016-05-24 ## Export public key This file should be publicly shared: $ gpg --armor --export $KEYID > /mnt/public-usb-key/pubkey.txt Optionally, it may be uploaded to a [public keyserver](https://debian-administration.org/article/451/Submitting_your_GPG_key_to_a_keyserver): $ gpg --send-key $KEYID gpg: sending key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB to hkps server hkps.pool.sks-keyservers.net [...] After a little while, it ought to propagate to [other](https://pgp.key-server.io/pks/lookup?search=doc%40duh.to&fingerprint=on&op=vindex) [servers](https://pgp.mit.edu/pks/lookup?search=doc%40duh.to&op=index). ## Finish If all went well, you should now reboot or [securely delete](http://srm.sourceforge.net/) `$GNUPGHOME`. # Using keys ## Create GPG configuration Paste the following text into a terminal window to create a [recommended](https://github.com/drduh/config/blob/master/gpg.conf) GPG configuration: $ cat << EOF > ~/.gnupg/gpg.conf auto-key-locate keyserver keyserver hkps://hkps.pool.sks-keyservers.net keyserver-options no-honor-keyserver-url keyserver-options ca-cert-file=/etc/sks-keyservers.netCA.pem keyserver-options no-honor-keyserver-url keyserver-options debug keyserver-options verbose personal-cipher-preferences AES256 AES192 AES CAST5 personal-digest-preferences SHA512 SHA384 SHA256 SHA224 default-preference-list SHA512 SHA384 SHA256 SHA224 AES256 AES192 AES CAST5 ZLIB BZIP2 ZIP Uncompressed cert-digest-algo SHA512 s2k-cipher-algo AES256 s2k-digest-algo SHA512 charset utf-8 fixed-list-mode no-comments no-emit-version keyid-format 0xlong list-options show-uid-validity verify-options show-uid-validity with-fingerprint use-agent require-cross-certification EOF To install the keyservers CA file: $ sudo curl -s "https://sks-keyservers.net/sks-keyservers.netCA.pem" -o /etc/sks-keyservers.netCA.pem ## Import public key Import it from a file: $ gpg --import < /mnt/public-usb-key/pubkey.txt gpg: key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB: public key "Dr Duh " imported gpg: Total number processed: 1 gpg: imported: 1 (RSA: 1) Or download from a keyserver: $ gpg --recv 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB gpg: requesting key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB from hkps server hkps.pool.sks-keyservers.net [...] gpg: key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB: public key "Dr Duh " imported gpg: Total number processed: 1 gpg: imported: 1 (RSA: 1) You may get an error `gpgkeys: HTTP fetch error 1: unsupported protocol` -- this means you need to install a special version of curl which supports gnupg: ``` $ sudo apt-get install gnupg-curl ``` ## Insert YubiKey Check the card's status: $ gpg --card-status Application ID ...: D2760001240102010006055532110000 Version ..........: 2.1 Manufacturer .....: Yubico Serial number ....: 05553211 Name of cardholder: Dr Duh Language prefs ...: en Sex ..............: unspecified URL of public key : [not set] Login data .......: doc@duh.to Signature PIN ....: not forced Key attributes ...: 4096R 4096R 4096R Max. PIN lengths .: 127 127 127 PIN retry counter : 3 3 3 Signature counter : 0 Signature key ....: 07AA 7735 E502 C5EB E09E B8B0 BECF A3C1 AE19 1D15 created ....: 2016-05-24 23:22:01 Encryption key....: 6F26 6F46 845B BEB8 BDF3 7E9B 5912 A795 E90D D2CF created ....: 2016-05-24 23:29:03 Authentication key: 82BE 7837 6A3F 2E7B E556 5E35 3F29 127E 7964 9A3D created ....: 2016-05-24 23:36:40 General key info..: pub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 2016-05-24 Dr Duh sec# 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never ssb> 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb> 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 ssb> 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never card-no: 0006 05553211 `sec#` indicates master key is not available (as it should be stored encrypted offline). ## GnuPG ### Trust master key Edit the imported key to assign it ultimate trust: $ gpg --edit-key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB Secret key is available. pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: unknown validity: unknown sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S sub 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: E sub 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: A [ unknown] (1). Dr Duh gpg> trust pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: unknown validity: unknown sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S sub 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: E sub 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: A [ unknown] (1). Dr Duh Please decide how far you trust this user to correctly verify other users' keys (by looking at passports, checking fingerprints from different sources, etc.) 1 = I don't know or won't say 2 = I do NOT trust 3 = I trust marginally 4 = I trust fully 5 = I trust ultimately m = back to the main menu Your decision? 5 Do you really want to set this key to ultimate trust? (y/N) y pub 4096R/0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: SC trust: ultimate validity: unknown sub 4096R/0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: S sub 4096R/0x5912A795E90DD2CF created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: E sub 4096R/0x3F29127E79649A3D created: 2016-05-24 expires: never usage: A [ unknown] (1). Dr Duh Please note that the shown key validity is not necessarily correct unless you restart the program. gpg> quit ### Encryption Encrypt some sample text: $ echo "$(uname -a)" | gpg --encrypt --armor --recipient 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB -----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE----- hQIMA1kSp5XpDdLPAQ/+JyYfLaUS/+llEzQaKDb5mWhG4HlUgD99dNJUXakm085h PSSt3I8Ac0ctwyMnenZvBEbHMqdRnfZJsj5pHidKcAZrhgs+he+B1tdZ/KPa8inx NIGqd8W1OraVSFmPEdC1kQ5he6R/WCDH1NNel9+fvLtQDCBQaFae/s3yXCSSQU6q HKCJLyHK8K9hDvgFmXOY8j1qTknBvDbmYdcCKVE1ejgpUCi3WatusobpWozsp0+b 6DN8bXyfxLPYm1PTLfW7v4kwddktB8eVioV8A45lndJZvliSqDwxhrwyE5VGsArS NmqzBkCaOHQFr0ofL91xgwpCI5kM2ukIR5SxUO4hvzlHn58QVL9GfAyCHMFtJs3o Q9eiR0joo9TjTwR8XomVhRJShrrcPeGgu3YmIak4u7OndyBFpu2E79RQ0ehpl2gY tSECB6mNd/gt0Wy3y15ccaFI4CVP6jrMN6q3YhXqNC7GgI/OWkVZIAgUFYnbmIQe tQ3z3wlbvFFngeFy5IlhsPduK8T9XgPnOtgQxHaepKz0h3m2lJegmp4YZ4CbS9h6 kcBTUjys5Vin1SLuqL4PhErzmlAZgVzG2PANsnHYPe2hwN4NlFtOND1wgBCtBFBs 1pqz1I0O+jmyId+jVlAK076c2AwdkVbokKUcIT/OcTc0nwHjOUttJGmkUHlbt/nS iAFNniSfzf6fwAFHgsvWiRJMa3keolPiqoUdh0tBIiI1zxOMaiTL7C9BFdpnvzYw Krj0pDc7AlF4spWhm58WgAW20P8PGcVQcN6mSTG8jKbXVSP3bvgPXkpGAOLKMV/i pLORcRPbauusBqovgaBWU/i3pMYrbhZ+LQbVEaJlvblWu6xe8HhS/jo= =pzkv -----END PGP MESSAGE----- ### Decryption Decrypt the sample text by pasting it: $ gpg --decrypt --armor -----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE----- hQIMA1kSp5XpDdLPAQ/+JyYfLaUS/+llEzQaKDb5mWhG4HlUgD99dNJUXakm085h PSSt3I8Ac0ctwyMnenZvBEbHMqdRnfZJsj5pHidKcAZrhgs+he+B1tdZ/KPa8inx NIGqd8W1OraVSFmPEdC1kQ5he6R/WCDH1NNel9+fvLtQDCBQaFae/s3yXCSSQU6q HKCJLyHK8K9hDvgFmXOY8j1qTknBvDbmYdcCKVE1ejgpUCi3WatusobpWozsp0+b 6DN8bXyfxLPYm1PTLfW7v4kwddktB8eVioV8A45lndJZvliSqDwxhrwyE5VGsArS NmqzBkCaOHQFr0ofL91xgwpCI5kM2ukIR5SxUO4hvzlHn58QVL9GfAyCHMFtJs3o Q9eiR0joo9TjTwR8XomVhRJShrrcPeGgu3YmIak4u7OndyBFpu2E79RQ0ehpl2gY tSECB6mNd/gt0Wy3y15ccaFI4CVP6jrMN6q3YhXqNC7GgI/OWkVZIAgUFYnbmIQe tQ3z3wlbvFFngeFy5IlhsPduK8T9XgPnOtgQxHaepKz0h3m2lJegmp4YZ4CbS9h6 kcBTUjys5Vin1SLuqL4PhErzmlAZgVzG2PANsnHYPe2hwN4NlFtOND1wgBCtBFBs 1pqz1I0O+jmyId+jVlAK076c2AwdkVbokKUcIT/OcTc0nwHjOUttJGmkUHlbt/nS iAFNniSfzf6fwAFHgsvWiRJMa3keolPiqoUdh0tBIiI1zxOMaiTL7C9BFdpnvzYw Krj0pDc7AlF4spWhm58WgAW20P8PGcVQcN6mSTG8jKbXVSP3bvgPXkpGAOLKMV/i pLORcRPbauusBqovgaBWU/i3pMYrbhZ+LQbVEaJlvblWu6xe8HhS/jo= =pzkv -----END PGP MESSAGE----- gpg: encrypted with 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0x5912A795E90DD2CF, created 2016-05-24 "Dr Duh " (Press Control-D) Linux workstation 3.16.0-4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.16.7-ckt25-2 (2016-04-08) x86_64 GNU/Linux ### Signing Sign some sample text using the signing subkey: $ echo "$(uname -a)" | gpg --armor --clearsign --default-key 0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA512 Linux workstation 3.16.0-4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.16.7-ckt25-2 (2016-04-08) x86_64 GNU/Linux -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- iQIcBAEBCgAGBQJXRPo8AAoJEL7Po8GuGR0Vh8wP/jYXTR8SAZIZSMVCOyAjH37f k6JxB0rF928WDYPihjo/d0Jd+XpoV1g+oipDRjP78xqR9H/CJZlE10IPQbNaomFs +3RGxA3Zr085cVFoixI8rxYOSu0Vs2cAzAbJHNcOcD7vXxTHcX4T8kfKoF9A4U1u XTJ42eEjpO0fX76tFX2/Uzxl43ES0dO7Y82ho7xcnaYwakVUEcWfUpfDAroLKZOs wCZGr8Z64QDQzxQ9L45Zc61wMx9JEIWD4BnagllfeOYrEwTJfYG8uhDDNYx0jjJp j1PBHn5d556aX6DHUH05kq3wszvQ4W40RctLgAA3l1VnEKebhBKjLZA/EePAvQV4 QM7MFUV1X/pi2zlyoZSnHkVl8b5Q7RU5ZtRpq9fdkDDepeiUo5PNBUMJER1gn4bm ri8DtavkwTNWBRLnVR2gHBmVQNN7ZDOkHcfyqR4I9chx6TMpfcxk0zATAHh8Donp FVPKySifuXpunn+0MwdZl5XkhHGdpdYQz4/LAZUGhrA9JTnFtc4cl4JrTzufF8Sr c3JJumMsyGvw9OQKQHF8gHme4PBu/4P31LpfX9wzPOTpJaI31Sg5kdJLTo9M9Ppo uvkmJS7ETjLQZOsRyAEn7gcEKZQGPQcNAgfEgQPoepS/KvvI68u+JMJm4n24k2kQ fEkp501u8kAZkWauhiL+ =+ylJ -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- ### Verifying signature Verify the previous signature: $ gpg gpg: Go ahead and type your message ... -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA512 Linux workstation 3.16.0-4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.16.7-ckt25-2 (2016-04-08) x86_64 GNU/Linux -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- iQIcBAEBCgAGBQJXRPo8AAoJEL7Po8GuGR0Vh8wP/jYXTR8SAZIZSMVCOyAjH37f +3RGxA3Zr085cVFoixI8rxYOSu0Vs2cAzAbJHNcOcD7vXxTHcX4T8kfKoF9A4U1u XTJ42eEjpO0fX76tFX2/Uzxl43ES0dO7Y82ho7xcnaYwakVUEcWfUpfDAroLKZOs wCZGr8Z64QDQzxQ9L45Zc61wMx9JEIWD4BnagllfeOYrEwTJfYG8uhDDNYx0jjJp j1PBHn5d556aX6DHUH05kq3wszvQ4W40RctLgAA3l1VnEKebhBKjLZA/EePAvQV4 QM7MFUV1X/pi2zlyoZSnHkVl8b5Q7RU5ZtRpq9fdkDDepeiUo5PNBUMJER1gn4bm ri8DtavkwTNWBRLnVR2gHBmVQNN7ZDOkHcfyqR4I9chx6TMpfcxk0zATAHh8Donp FVPKySifuXpunn+0MwdZl5XkhHGdpdYQz4/LAZUGhrA9JTnFtc4cl4JrTzufF8Sr c3JJumMsyGvw9OQKQHF8gHme4PBu/4P31LpfX9wzPOTpJaI31Sg5kdJLTo9M9Ppo uvkmJS7ETjLQZOsRyAEn7gcEKZQGPQcNAgfEgQPoepS/KvvI68u+JMJm4n24k2kQ fEkp501u8kAZkWauhiL+ =+ylJ -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- (Press Control-D) gpg: Signature made Wed 25 May 2016 00:00:00 AM UTC gpg: using RSA key 0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 gpg: Good signature from "Dr Duh " [ultimate] Primary key fingerprint: 011C E16B D45B 27A5 5BA8 776D FF3E 7D88 647E BCDB Subkey fingerprint: 07AA 7735 E502 C5EB E09E B8B0 BECF A3C1 AE19 1D15 Putting it all together: $ echo "$(uname -a)" | gpg --encrypt --sign --armor --default-key 0xFF3E7D88647EBCDB --recipient 0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 | gpg --decrypt --armor gpg: encrypted with 4096-bit RSA key, ID 0x5912A795E90DD2CF, created 2016-05-24 "Dr Duh " Linux workstation 3.16.0-4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.16.7-ckt25-2 (2016-04-08) x86_64 GNU/Linux gpg: Signature made Wed 25 May 2016 01:00:00 AM UTC gpg: using RSA key 0xBECFA3C1AE191D15 gpg: Good signature from "Dr Duh " [ultimate] Primary key fingerprint: 011C E16B D45B 27A5 5BA8 776D FF3E 7D88 647E BCDB Subkey fingerprint: 07AA 7735 E502 C5EB E09E B8B0 BECF A3C1 AE19 1D15 ## SSH ### Update configuration Paste the following text into a terminal window to create a [recommended](https://github.com/drduh/config/blob/master/gpg-agent.conf) GPG agent configuration: $ cat << EOF > ~/.gnupg/gpg-agent.conf enable-ssh-support pinentry-program /usr/bin/pinentry-curses default-cache-ttl 60 max-cache-ttl 120 write-env-file use-standard-socket EOF If you are using Linux on the desktop, you may want to use `/usr/bin/pinentry-gnome3` to use a GUI manager. ### Replace ssh-agent with gpg-agent $ pkill ssh-agent ; pkill gpg-agent ; \ eval $(gpg-agent --daemon --enable-ssh-support --use-standard-socket \ --log-file ~/.gnupg/gpg-agent.log --write-env-file) ### Copy public key to server There is a `-L` option of `ssh-add` that lists public key parameters of all identities currently represented by the agent. Copy and paste the following output to the server authorized_keys file: $ ssh-add -L ssh-rsa AAAAB4NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAACAz[...]zreOKM+HwpkHzcy9DQcVG2Nw== cardno:000605553211 ### Connect with public key authentication $ ssh git@github.com -vvv [...] debug2: key: cardno:000605553211 (0x1234567890), debug1: Authentications that can continue: publickey debug3: start over, passed a different list publickey debug3: preferred gssapi-keyex,gssapi-with-mic,publickey,keyboard-interactive,password debug3: authmethod_lookup publickey debug3: remaining preferred: keyboard-interactive,password debug3: authmethod_is_enabled publickey debug1: Next authentication method: publickey debug1: Offering RSA public key: cardno:000605553211 debug3: send_pubkey_test debug2: we sent a publickey packet, wait for reply debug1: Server accepts key: pkalg ssh-rsa blen 535 debug2: input_userauth_pk_ok: fp e5:de:a5:74:b1:3e:96:9b:85:46:e7:28:53:b4:82:c3 debug3: sign_and_send_pubkey: RSA e5:de:a5:74:b1:3e:96:9b:85:46:e7:28:53:b4:82:c3 debug1: Authentication succeeded (publickey). [...] # Troubleshooting - If you don't understand some option, read `man gpg`. - If you encounter problems connecting to YubiKey with GPG, simply try unplugging and re-inserting your YubiKey, and restarting the `gpg-agent` process. - If you receive the error, `gpg: decryption failed: secret key not available` - you likely need to install GnuPG version 2.x. - If you receive the error, `Yubikey core error: no yubikey present` - make sure the YubiKey is inserted correctly. It should blink once when plugged in. - If you still receive the error, `Yubikey core error: no yubikey present` - you likely need to install newer versions of yubikey-personalize as outlined in [Install required software](#install-required-software). - If you receive the error, `Yubikey core error: write error` - YubiKey is likely locked. Install and run yubikey-personalization-gui to unlock it. - If you receive the error, `Key does not match the card's capability` - you likely need to use 2048 bit RSA key sizes. - If you receive the error, `sign_and_send_pubkey: signing failed: agent refused operation` - you probably have ssh-agent running. Make sure you replaced ssh-agent with gpg-agent as noted above. - If you totally screw up, you can [reset the card](https://developers.yubico.com/ykneo-openpgp/ResetApplet.html). # References