gnome-keyring-daemon

gnome-keyring-daemon [options]

--daemonize
    Run the daemon in the background.

--login
    Simulate a login.

--replace
    Replace an existing instance of the daemon.

--start
    Start the daemon if it is not already running.

--foreground
    Run in foreground mode.

--unlock
    Unlock the keyring

--components
    Prints a list of all the components that will be initialized

--version
    Display version information.

--help
    Display help message.

gnome-keyring-daemon is a background process that manages secrets for users in the GNOME desktop environment.
It stores passwords, keys, and other sensitive information securely, allowing applications to access them without requiring the user to repeatedly enter their credentials. gnome-keyring-daemon provides a central service for managing these secrets, offering features such as password storage, encryption, and key management. It integrates with various GNOME components, like the network manager and web browsers. The daemon is started automatically by the session manager when a user logs in and provides a D-Bus interface for other applications to interact with. It uses a password-protected keyring to protect the stored secrets. gnome-keyring-daemon handles requests from applications to access stored secrets and prompts the user for authentication if needed. It also supports unlocking the keyring using PAM authentication or a master password.

If gnome-keyring-daemon fails to start or encounters errors, it may be necessary to check system logs for more information. Ensure that the required dependencies and GNOME components are installed correctly. Incorrect PAM configuration might also cause authentication problems.

The security of gnome-keyring-daemon depends on the strength of the master password and the underlying encryption algorithms.
It is crucial to choose a strong password and keep the system updated to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Consider using hardware-backed key storage for enhanced security.

If applications are unable to access the keyring, verify that gnome-keyring-daemon is running and that the keyring is unlocked.
Check the output of `ps aux | grep gnome-keyring-daemon` to confirm that the process is active. Also verify that the DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS is correct.

gnome-keyring-daemon was developed as part of the GNOME desktop environment to provide secure storage for passwords and other secrets. Its initial development focused on offering a centralized and user-friendly way to manage credentials across various GNOME applications. Over time, it has evolved to support more sophisticated features, such as integration with system authentication mechanisms and improved security measures. The daemon is an essential component of the GNOME ecosystem, enhancing the overall user experience by simplifying authentication processes.

seahorse(1), pam(8)