KeyPackage Functionality

Overview

The KeyPackage is a feature designed to securely package and transfer key data between different devices. It encapsulates both the public and private keys of multiple key pairs, ensuring that users can maintain cryptographic functionality across various platforms. This document outlines the process of creating, exporting, and safely transferring a KeyPackage.

Creating a KeyPackage

To create a KeyPackage, follow these steps:

1. Open the Key Management Interface: Navigate to the main interface where you manage your keys.

2. Export Keys: Click on the “Export Key” button to initiate the export process.

3. Choose KeyPackage Export: Select the option to export keys as a KeyPackage. This will open a new dialog box for configuring the KeyPackage.

4. Configure KeyPackage:

   • KeyPackage Name: In the first field, you will see a generated name for the KeyPackage, such as KeyPackage_41132. You can click the button labeled “Generate Key Package Name” to generate a new name if desired.
   • Output Path: In the second field, click the button labeled “Select Output Path” to choose where to save the KeyPackage file.
   • Passphrase: In the third field, click the button labeled “Generate and Save Passphrase” to generate and save a passphrase for the KeyPackage. Ensure the security of this passphrase.

5. Optional Settings:

   • Include Secret Keys: Check the box labeled “Include secret key (Think twice before acting)” if you want to include private keys in the KeyPackage. This is generally not recommended unless necessary.
   • Exclude Keys without Private Parts: Check the box labeled “Exclude keys that do not have a private key” to exclude keys that do not have associated private keys.

6. Export: Once all settings are configured and reviewed, click the “OK” button to create and export the KeyPackage.

By following these steps, you can create a secure KeyPackage to transfer your cryptographic keys between devices. Ensure that the generated passphrase and the KeyPackage file are stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.

Security Notice

When the KeyPackage is successfully created, a message will inform you that the package is protected with encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256-ECB) and is safe to transfer. However, it emphasizes that the key file must not be disclosed under any circumstances. Users are advised to delete the KeyPackage file and the key file as soon as possible after the transfer is complete.

Transferring the KeyPackage

To transfer the KeyPackage:

1. Use a secure transfer method to move the .gpgpack file to the target device. This could be through a secured network connection, encrypted email, or a physical device like a USB drive, which should be encrypted as well.
2. Once transferred, import the KeyPackage into the key management tool on the target device using the passphrase set during the creation process.

After Transfer: Importing

To import the KeyPackage after transferring it to the target device, follow these steps:

1. Initiate Import:

   • Open the key management tool on the target device and click on the “Import Key” button.

2. Select KeyPackage Option:

   • As shown in the image, from the dropdown menu, select the “Key Package” option. This indicates that you will be importing a KeyPackage.

3. Select KeyPackage File:

   • A file selection dialog will appear. First, choose the .gpgpack file that you transferred. This file contains the packaged keys.

4. Select Key File:

   • After selecting the .gpgpack file, another file selection dialog will prompt you to choose the corresponding key file. This key file is used to decrypt the KeyPackage.

5. Import Keys:

   • Once both files are selected, the key management tool will automatically import the keys contained within the KeyPackage. You will be prompted to enter the passphrase that was set during the creation of the KeyPackage to complete the import process.

By following these steps, you can securely import your cryptographic keys from the KeyPackage into the key management tool on the target device.

Best Practices

• Always ensure that you are transferring key data over a secure channel.
• Keep the passphrase strong and confidential.
• Delete the KeyPackage files from all devices and any intermediaries (like email servers or cloud storage) after the transfer is complete to prevent unauthorized access.

Conclusion

The KeyPackage feature streamlines the process of transferring key data between devices while maintaining high security standards. By following the steps outlined in this document, users can effectively manage their cryptographic keys across multiple platforms.