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Upload to keyserver

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Justin

14 Apr, 2012 08:05 AM

Hi,

I am not sure if my pub keys are sent to the key server.
I clicked Send to Keyserver in Keychain Access.

However when I tried to search for my pub key in PGP Global Directory / MIT PGP server but I can't find it. Is it because it takes some time for the directory to refresh?

May I know which server it is published to?

Lastly, what is the function of Preferences->Keyserver

1. Support Staff 1 Posted by Steve on 14 Apr, 2012 08:25 AM

   

   Hey Justin,

   let's work this one backwards: "what is the function of Preferences->Keyserver"

   http://cl.ly/0a3y0O3t1k1m3W2n2K2J
   Simply let's you adjust the key serves. I recommend the sks-keyservers but is that does not work for you try sth else.

   Now before changing away from the sks-keyservers: we need to understand that the PGP Global Directory is not the same as the MIT PGP server nor is it connected to any key server. To be honest, I am not really sure what purpose the PGP Global Directory fulfills. All I know is, you need to upload your key separately to that service if you want it to be included there.

   I don't use it myself. Don't believe too much in centralized solutions. The other key servers sync of course and if you look on any of them, your key should be there after you have uploaded and waited a while.

   Does this answer your question?

   Cheers :)
   steve

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2. 2 Posted by Justin on 14 Apr, 2012 08:31 AM

   

   Hi Steve,

   Yes I just checked the MIT PGP server and it's there.
   Sorry, I thought the PGP Global Directory would also sync with the rest.

   Thanks so much!

   • Edit

3. 3 Posted by Justin on 14 Apr, 2012 08:37 AM

   

   I actually found this on Wiki explaining the purpose of the PGP Global Directory.
   You might be interested to know.

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_server_(cryptographic)#Problems_wi...

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4. Support Staff 4 Posted by Steve on 14 Apr, 2012 08:49 AM

   

   Hey Justin, thanks for the link.

   The issues mentioned on wikipedia are real problems. I myself have keys up the servers which I can no longer use (that was from the time when I still was young and had no clue what I was doing). Not sure if the latter improved over the years. :P

   But imo, that boils down to the very complex question, how should key server software work. Should keys need to be confirmed every 2 years or so? What problems would arise should the key server software be changed in that direction.

   This is on our list way down in the category (if we ever have time) which is seldom the case.

   Also it is not that easy changing a running system. And I'm not sure what changes would be good and this has to be communicated with many parties since so many groups are involved with this.

   Imo, it would be worth tweaking the current system but where to start I have no idea. Also this might be a job for a person dedicating all their effort only on this...

   Have a nice day :)

   • Edit

5. Steve closed this discussion on 04 Jun, 2012 05:25 PM.