Novell LINUX ENTERPRISE DESKTOP 11 - APPLICATION GUIDE 17-03-2009 Application Manual page 118

Server Dialog"
already described.
10.4.1 Signing Keys
Keys can be signed like every other file to guarantee their authenticity and integrity. If
you are absolutely sure an imported key belongs to the individual specified as the
owner, express your trust in the authenticity of the key with your signature.
IMPORTANT: Establishing a Web of Trust
Encrypted communication is only secure to the extent that you can positively
associate public keys in circulation with the specified user. By cross-checking
and signing these keys, you contribute to the establishment of a Web of Trust.
For these reasons, make really sure you only sign keys you personally checked.
Before you can use your key, you need to sign it yourself.
Procedure 10.1 Signing A Key
1 In the Key Management window, select the key to sign in the key list.
2 Select Keys > Sign Keys.
3 In the following dialog, select the private key to use for the signature. An alert
4 Click Continue and enter your passphrase in the next step. With entering the
Other users can now check the signature by means of your public key.
104 Application Guide
(page 105). The procedure is similar to the procedure for exporting keys
reminds you to check the authenticity of this key before signing it. In the drop
down list, select how you carefully you have checked that the key belongs to the
person with whom you want to communicate.
passphrase, you sign the key with your own private key. The signed key now
appears green in the trust column.