linux-kernel - Re: Backing up the PGP master key

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Message-ID: <20201017135058.mxlbuxqekpvy3hqx@chatter.i7.local>
Date:   Sat, 17 Oct 2020 09:50:58 -0400
From:   Konstantin Ryabitsev <konstantin@...uxfoundation.org>
To:     Jarkko Sakkinen <jarkko.sakkinen@...ux.intel.com>
Cc:     "Alexander A. Klimov" <grandmaster@...klimov.de>,
        Miguel Ojeda <miguel.ojeda.sandonis@...il.com>,
        linux-doc@...r.kernel.org, linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Re: Backing up the PGP master key

On Thu, Oct 15, 2020 at 12:34:06AM +0300, Jarkko Sakkinen wrote:
> Konstantin, writing to you based on 'git blame' :-)
> 
> The maintainer guide recommends using paperkey for the PGP master key,
> which is a prefectly sane method.
> 
> I was just wondering that isn't a backup to a USB stick a reasonable
> option? E.g. get a few USB sticks (new, unweared), store your master key
> to each of them and put to safe.

Sure, it's an option as well. I believe the guide recommends three 
different backups:

1. thumb drive within reach for regular access
2. another drive in case the first one goes bad
3. paperkey backup in the vault

There's no reason why #2 above can't go into the vault as well, if 
you're inclined. I wouldn't skip paperkey, since I'm generally wary of 
putting anything long-term onto electronic media due to things like 
charge decay, cosmic rays, or other weird phenomena resulting in flipped 
bits.

-K