14.1.4 User Key Generation Dialog Box

Use this dialog box to configure a public/private key pair for user key authentication.

The options are:

Key Type

Specifies the algorithm used for key generation.

Key Length

Specifies the key size. Up to a point, a larger key size improves security. Increasing key size slows down the initial connection, but has no effect on the speed of encryption or decryption of the data stream after a successful connection has been made. The length of key you should use depends on many factors, including: the key type, the lifetime of the key, the value of the data being protected, the resources available to a potential attacker, and the size of the symmetric key you use in conjunction with this asymmetric key. To ensure the best choice for your needs, we recommend that you contact your security officer.

No passphrase

Select this check box if you want to connect without being prompted for a passphrase. Note: If you select No passphrase, the private key saved to your computer is unencrypted.

Passphrase

Specify a passphrase that will be required when you connect with this key. Note: If you don't want to use a passphrase, you must select the No passphrase setting.

Verify

Retype the passphrase here for confirmation.

Create

Opens a browse dialog box that allows you to select a name and location for the private key. (The default name identifies the key type, size, and the client host name.) The public key is saved to the same location using the private key name with an added *.pub file extension.