PGP Encryption - Secure Email & File Encryption
Learn about PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption for secure email communication and file encryption. Understand how OpenPGP and GPG work to protect your privacy.
Educational Tool
This is an educational reference for PGP encryption. For real PGP encryption, use GPG/OpenPGP tools like GnuPG, Kleopatra, or Mailvelope.
PGP Encryption Reference
What is PGP?
PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is an encryption program that provides cryptographic privacy and authentication for data communication. It's commonly used for email encryption.
How PGP Works
- • Uses public-key cryptography
- • Public key encrypts, private key decrypts
- • Digital signatures verify sender identity
- • Web of trust model for key verification
Recommended Tools
- • GnuPG (GPG): Command-line OpenPGP implementation
- • Kleopatra: GUI for GPG on Windows
- • Mailvelope: Browser extension for webmail
- • ProtonMail: Email service with built-in PGP
PGP Use Cases
- • Encrypted email communication
- • File encryption and signing
- • Code signing and verification
- • Secure messaging
What is PGP Encryption?
PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is an encryption program that provides cryptographic privacy and authentication for data communication. Created by Phil Zimmermann in 1991, PGP is now an open standard known as OpenPGP, with GnuPG (GPG) being the most popular free implementation.
How PGP Works
1. Key Generation
Generate a public/private key pair. Share your public key with others, keep your private key secret.
2. Encryption
Others use your public key to encrypt messages that only you can decrypt with your private key.
3. Digital Signatures
Sign messages with your private key so recipients can verify they came from you using your public key.
Popular PGP Tools
GnuPG (GPG)
Free, open-source OpenPGP implementation. Command-line tool available for all platforms.
Kleopatra
User-friendly GUI for GPG on Windows. Part of Gpg4win package.
Mailvelope
Browser extension for webmail encryption (Gmail, Outlook, etc.).
ProtonMail
Email service with built-in PGP encryption, no setup required.
Common Use Cases
- Email Encryption: Protect email content from surveillance
- File Encryption: Encrypt sensitive files before storage or transfer
- Code Signing: Verify software authenticity and integrity
- Secure Messaging: End-to-end encrypted communication
- Document Signing: Prove document authenticity