Definition: GNOME Keyring is a collection of components in the GNOME desktop environment that securely store secrets, passwords, keys, and certificates.
Function: Manages and stores sensitive information, allowing applications to access and manage these secrets securely.
Components:
Keyring Daemon: A background service that handles the storage and retrieval of secrets.
Keyring Manager: A graphical interface for managing stored secrets, keys, and certificates.
Keyring Libraries: Provide APIs for applications to interact with the keyring.
Auto-unlock: Automatically unlocks the keyring when the user logs in.
Usage: Commonly used to securely store and manage passwords, keys, and certificates for various applications and services within the GNOME desktop environment.
Examples
Accessing GNOME Keyring Manager:
From the Activities Overview, search for “Passwords and Keys” or “Seahorse” (the graphical interface for GNOME Keyring) and click on the application icon.
Common tasks in GNOME Keyring:
Adding a new password: Open GNOME Keyring Manager, click “File” > “New,” and follow the prompts to add a new password or key.
Viewing stored passwords: Open GNOME Keyring Manager, navigate to the desired keyring, and view the stored passwords and keys.
Changing the master password: Open GNOME Keyring Manager, select the keyring, and choose the option to change the password.
Summary
GNOME Keyring: Secure storage system for managing passwords, keys, and certificates within the GNOME desktop environment, offering encryption and integration with other GNOME applications and services.