Commands Reference, Volume 4

newkey Command

Purpose

Creates a new key in the /etc/publickey file.

Syntax

/usr/sbin/newkey [ -h HostName ] [ -u UserName ]

Description

The newkey command creates a new key in the /etc/publickey file. This command is normally run by the network administrator on the Network Information Services (NIS) master machine to establish public keys for users and root users on the network. These keys are needed for using secure Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol or secure Network File System (NFS).

The newkey command prompts for the login password of the user specified by the UserName parameter. Then, the command creates a new key pair in the /etc/publickey file and updates the publickey database. The key pair consists of the user's public key and secret key and is encrypted with the login password of the given user.

Use of this program is not required. Users may create their own keys using the chkey command.

You can use the Network application in Web-based System Manager (wsm) to change network characteristics. You could also use the System Management Interface Tool (SMIT) smit newkey fast path to run this command.

Flags

-h HostName	Creates a new public key for the root user at the machine specified by the HostName parameter. Prompts for the root password of this parameter.
-u UserName	Creates a new public key for a user specified by the UserName parameter. Prompts for the NIS password of this parameter.

Examples

To create a new public key for a user, enter:
```
newkey -u john
```
In this example, the newkey command creates a new public key for the user named john.
To create a new public key for the root user on host zeus, enter:
```
newkey -h zeus
```
In this example, the newkey command creates a new public key for the root user on the host named zeus.

Files

/etc/publickey

Stores encrypted keys for users.

Related Information

The chkey command, keylogin command.

The keyserv daemon.

For information on installing the Web-based System Manager, see Chapter 2: Installation and System Requirements in AIX 5L Version 5.2 Web-based System Manager Administration Guide.

System Management Interface Tool in AIX 5L Version 5.2 System Management Concepts: Operating System and Devices.

Network File System (NFS) Overview for System Management in AIX 5L Version 5.2 System Management Guide: Communications and Networks.

Exporting a File System Using Secure NFS, Mounting a File System Using Secure NFS in AIX 5L Version 5.2 Security Guide.

Network Information Service (NIS) in AIX 5L Version 5.2 Network Information Services (NIS and NIS+) Guide.

NIS Reference.