The apt-key command is a crucial utility for managing
APT (Advanced Package Tool) repository keys on Debian-based Linux
systems like Ubuntu. It allows users to handle the cryptographic
keys used to authenticate software packages, ensuring the integrity
and security of your system's software sources.
When you add a new repository to your system, it's often accompanied
by a public key. This key is used by APT to verify that the packages
downloaded from that repository are legitimate and haven't been
tampered with. The apt-key command is the primary tool
for adding, listing, and removing these trusted keys.
To see which keys are currently trusted by your APT system, you can
use the list subcommand. This is a fundamental step in
understanding your current package source security configuration.
# List APT keys marked as trusted.
apt-key listProper management of APT keys is vital for maintaining a secure Linux environment. Outdated or compromised keys can expose your system to malicious software. Regularly reviewing and managing your trusted keys helps prevent security vulnerabilities.