How to use the command 'keybase' (with examples)
The Keybase command-line tool allows users to interact with the Keybase key directory, which maps social media identities to encryption keys in a publicly auditable manner. It provides various features such as following another user, adding new proofs, signing and verifying files, encrypting and decrypting files, as well as revoking current device, logging out, and deleting local data.
Use case 1: Follow another user
Code:
keybase follow username
Motivation: Following another user on Keybase allows you to receive updates and notifications from that user. It is a way to connect with someone and stay informed about their activities and updates.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.follow: The follow subcommand used to follow another user.username: The username of the user you want to follow.
Example output:
Successfully followed username.
Use case 2: Add a new proof
Code:
keybase prove service service_username
Motivation: Adding a new proof to your Keybase account allows you to verify your identity on certain services or platforms. It adds an additional layer of trust and authenticity to your online presence.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.prove: The prove subcommand used to add a new proof.service: The name of the service or platform for which you want to add a proof.service_username: The username or identifier associated with the service for which you want to add a proof.
Example output:
Proof successfully added for service: service_username.
Use case 3: Sign a file
Code:
keybase sign --infile input_file --outfile output_file
Motivation: Signing a file with your Keybase account provides a digital signature that verifies the authenticity and integrity of the file. It allows others to verify that the file has not been tampered with and that it is indeed coming from you.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.sign: The sign subcommand used to sign a file.--infile input_file: The path to the input file you want to sign.--outfile output_file: The path to the output file where the signed file will be saved.
Example output:
File successfully signed and saved as output_file.
Use case 4: Verify a signed file
Code:
keybase verify --infile input_file --outfile output_file
Motivation: Verifying a signed file allows you to ensure that the file is indeed coming from the expected source and that it hasn’t been tampered with. It provides a way to validate the authenticity and integrity of the file.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.verify: The verify subcommand used to verify a signed file.--infile input_file: The path to the input file you want to verify.--outfile output_file: The path to the output file where the verification result will be saved.
Example output:
File successfully verified. Verification result saved as output_file.
Use case 5: Encrypt a file
Code:
keybase encrypt --infile input_file --outfile output_file receiver
Motivation: Encrypting a file with Keybase allows you to securely share sensitive information with others. By encrypting the file, only the intended receiver will be able to decrypt and access the contents.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.encrypt: The encrypt subcommand used to encrypt a file.--infile input_file: The path to the input file you want to encrypt.--outfile output_file: The path to the output file where the encrypted file will be saved.receiver: The username or identifier of the intended receiver.
Example output:
File successfully encrypted and saved as output_file for receiver.
Use case 6: Decrypt a file
Code:
keybase decrypt --infile input_file --outfile output_file
Motivation: Decrypting a file that has been encrypted with Keybase allows you to access the original contents of the file. Only the intended receiver, who possesses the required decryption key, will be able to decrypt the file.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.decrypt: The decrypt subcommand used to decrypt a file.--infile input_file: The path to the input file you want to decrypt.--outfile output_file: The path to the output file where the decrypted file will be saved.
Example output:
File successfully decrypted and saved as output_file.
Use case 7: Revoke current device, log out, and delete local data
Code:
keybase deprovision
Motivation: If you no longer want to use your current device with Keybase or if you suspect that your device has been compromised, you can revoke the device, log out, and delete all local data associated with your Keybase account. This is a security measure to ensure that your account and data are protected.
Explanation:
keybase: The command to interact with Keybase.deprovision: The deprovision subcommand used to revoke the current device, log out, and delete local data.
Example output:
Current device successfully revoked and local data deleted. You have been logged out of Keybase.
Conclusion:
The Keybase command-line tool provides a wide range of features for interacting with the Keybase key directory. Whether you want to follow another user, add proofs to verify your identity, sign and verify files, encrypt and decrypt files, or deprovision your device, Keybase has you covered. By understanding and utilizing these capabilities, you can enhance your online security and privacy.
