Secretive: Open-source app for storing and managing SSH keys in the Secure Enclave – Help Net Security

Summary: Secretive is an open-source application that enhances the security of SSH key management by utilizing the Secure Enclave on Macs. It provides user-friendly features such as biometric authentication and access notifications to protect private keys from unauthorized access.

Threat Actor: Malicious users | malicious users
Victim: SSH key users | SSH key users

Key Point :

• Secretive stores SSH keys in the Secure Enclave, making them impossible to export and enhancing security.
• It supports biometric authentication via Touch ID or Apple Watch, adding an extra layer of protection for key access.
• Users receive notifications whenever their keys are accessed, ensuring they remain informed about potential security breaches.
• Secretive is available for free download on GitHub, promoting accessibility for users seeking enhanced SSH key management solutions.

Secretive is an open-source, user-friendly app designed to store and manage SSH keys within the Secure Enclave.

Typically, SSH keys are stored on disk with appropriate permissions, which is usually sufficient. However, it’s not overly difficult for malicious users or malware to copy your private key. By storing your keys in the Secure Enclave, they become impossible to export, providing a higher level of security.

Macs with a Secure Enclave also support robust access controls, such as Touch ID or Apple Watch authentication. With Secretive, you can configure your keys to require authentication via Touch ID or Apple Watch before they can be accessed, adding an extra layer of security.

Secretive also notifies you whenever your keys are accessed, so you’re never caught off guard:

Secretive is available for free download on GitHub.

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Source: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/07/31/secretive-app-managing-ssh-keys-secure-enclave

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