Automatic key management using enterprise user identity management

Abstract

A method forms a key pair for a user. The key pair has a public key and a private key that is unique to the user and that is encrypted using a passphrase formed from an enterprise password of the user and an identification that uniquely identifies in the enterprise a device by which the user gains access. The method stores the private key in the user device and stores the public key in an enterprise server that is accessed by the user. The method provides the private key from the user device to a client, such as a SSH client, in conjunction with the password and the identification, decrypts the private key to obtain the decrypted password and the identification, and allows the user to access the enterprise server only if the decrypted password and the identification match the password and the identification provided with the private key.