What is GnuPG?
GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard) is free encryption software that lets you generate a matching public and private key. These keys are useful for keeping files private during transfer.
About public key encryption
Public key encryption is a method of communicating using a matching pair of keys (one public, one private) to create a secret code. This ensures that anyone looking at messages sent from or received by your computer will be unable to read them without access to the private key.
A private key is a string of characters that a computer uses to encode or decode encrypted messages. Keeping this key secret is integral to protecting your confidential information.
A public key is a string of characters that a computer uses to encode or decode encrypted messages it receives. Typically, a public key will be placed on a server so you can access that server with encryption.
Create a new key
1. Enter your name, email, a key comment/nickname, password, and password confirmation in the appropriate boxes.
Note: The Strength box will show you the strength of your password choice. If you cannot think of a strong password, click Password Generator for an appropriate option.
2. Enter an expire date in the appropriate box.
Note: Use one of the expire date formats shown. The default is 1 year.
3. Select the appropriate key size.
4. Click Generate Key.
Import key
If you have already created a key, and you wish to import it, you can do so here.
- Click the Import Key button. You will be directed to a new page.
Delete or view a key
If you have already installed a public or private key, it will appear at the bottom of the screen.
- To delete the key, click Delete GnuPG Key.
- To view the key, click View.
