HOW TO: Remove a Key from the PGP Global Directory

Products

• Symantec Products

Issue/Introduction

This article describes how to remove a PGP Key from the PGP Global Directory

 

Resolution

One of the advantages of the PGP Global Directory is that it allows for keys to be deleted by their owners. A common problem with other keyservers is buildup of unusable keys. This can happen when a user forgets their password or stops using a particular key and is unable to remove it.

 

Note: The PGP Global Directory also re-verifies keys every six months by sending a renewal email message. If the key owner does not respond, the key will be removed from the PGP Global Directory. This ensures that the PGP Global Directory is kept up to date. Note that keys that are removed from the PGP Global Directory can be added back again later.

 

How to Remove a Key from PGP Global Directory Using a Web Browser

1. Type the address in a web browser https://keyserver.pgp.com
2. The Welcome Screen appears
3. In the box below Remove Your Key, enter the email address of the key you wish to remove. It is necessary to type the entire email address in this field.
4. Click Remove.
5. The Confirm Key Removal screen appears. Make sure that this is the correct key to be removed and then click Accept.
6. A Key Removal Pending message appears saying that an email will be sent to the address associated with the key to be removed requesting verification of the removal. Click Done.
7. Follow the instructions on the email from the PGP Global Directory in order to complete the removal process.