Fixing "Missing GPG Key" Error in Kali Linux version 2025.1 ~ Logon2Tech

While running apt update on Kali Linux, you might encounter an error related to GPG key verification that looks like this:

Sub-process /usr/bin/sqv returned an error code (1), error message is: Missing key 827C8569F2518CC677FECA1AED65462EC8D5E4C5, which is needed to verify signature.

This error means that Kali's APT package manager is trying to verify the authenticity of the packages, but the required public key is missing from your system. Without it, package updates from the Kali repository cannot be trusted — and therefore, cannot be fetched.

To figure out the version of Kali Linux you're running, you can use any of the following commands in the terminal:

$lsb_release -a

This will output something like:

Distributor ID: Kali
Description: Kali GNU/Linux Rolling
Release: 2025.1
Codename: kali-rolling

Here's how to fix it.

Step 1: Understand the Error

APT uses GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) keys to verify package signatures. If a key is missing, it will throw an error and prevent updates.

In this case, the missing key is:

827C8569F2518CC677FECA1AED65462EC8D5E4C5

Step 2: Import the Missing GPG Key

If your Kali system still supports apt-key, you can fetch the missing key directly from a keyserver:

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 827C8569F2518CC677FECA1AED65462EC8D5E4C5

However, on newer versions of Kali (and other Debian-based distros), apt-key is deprecated. So, the preferred method is to fetch and install the key using curl and gpg:

curl -fsSL https://archive.kali.org/archive-key.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/kali.gpg > /dev/null

This command downloads the official Kali GPG archive key and saves it in a format that APT can trust.

Step 3: Update Package Lists

After adding the key, update your package list again:

sudo apt update

If the key was added correctly, the error will be gone, and your system should fetch updates normally.

Optional: Check Your Mirror List

Sometimes, this issue is also triggered by using third-party or outdated mirrors. Make sure you're using official or up-to-date mirrors by editing your sources:

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Ensure it includes something like:

deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware

Save and exit (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X), then run sudo apt update again.

Final Thoughts

GPG key errors are a security feature, not a bug. They prevent tampering and ensure that the software you're installing is verified and safe. By adding the correct key, you're restoring trust and keeping your Kali Linux system secure.