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Manage GnuPG keys in cPanel

This guide explains GnuPG keys and shows you how to create, import, view and delete them in cPanel.

cPanel2 min read20 steps

What is a GnuPG key?

GnuPG (also called GPG) is a tool that locks and signs messages. It uses a pair of keys. Think of a mailbox. The public key is the mail slot. Anyone can drop a message in. The private key is the little key that opens the box. Only you should have it.

  • Share your public key with people. They use it to send you secret emails.
  • Keep your private key secret. You use it to read those emails and to sign your own.

In cPanel, the keys are used with email programs that support GPG. They are also used by tools such as Horde or Roundcube plugins where available.

Open the tool

  1. Log in to your client area at https://secure.hostvento.com/clientarea.php.
  2. Open your hosting service and log in to cPanel.
  3. Find the Email section.
  4. Click GnuPG Keys.

If you do not see it, ask Hostvento support if it is on your plan.

Create a new key pair

  1. Click Generate a New Key.
  2. Type your name in Name.
  3. Type your email in Email.
  4. Type a strong Passphrase. This is a long password that guards your private key.
  5. Choose a Key Expiration. A key that expires is safer than one that lasts forever.
  6. Choose a Key Size. A bigger size is stronger but slower.
  7. Click Generate Key and wait.
Tip: Write your passphrase down somewhere safe. If you lose it, the private key is useless and cannot be recovered.

Import a key

  1. On the GnuPG page, click Import Key.
  2. Paste the key text into the box. It starts with -----BEGIN PGP.
  3. Click Import.

Import a friend's public key to send them locked mail.

View or download a key

  1. Find the key in the list under Public Keys or Private Keys.
  2. Click View to see the text.
  3. Copy it, or click Download if shown, and save it.

Never send your private key to anyone.

Delete a key

Warning: Deleting a private key means you can no longer read mail locked with it. Export a copy first.

  1. Find the key in the list.
  2. Click Delete.
  3. Confirm.

Quick recap

  • GnuPG uses a public key to lock and a private key to unlock.
  • Open it from cPanel under Email, then GnuPG Keys.
  • You can generate, import, view and delete keys.
  • Keep your private key and passphrase safe.
  • Back up a key before deleting it.