How do I install and use PGP on Linux computers? Step by step guide

PGP uses an algorithm that allows you to reduce the text you want encrypt to save time when transferring data, then send the encrypted message so that the recipient receives the document as securely as possible.

Urban artist when PGP is used, the message is digitally signed . Therefore, the receiver trusts its authenticity because of the security process that the message has gone through.

If you want to know how to install and use PGP on a Linux computer, you should continue reading this article . We will show you the steps for this task.

Why should you install PGP on Linux? Benefits of doing it

When you use PGP under Linux, you will be able encrypt all messages you send via your email, which will increase security because no one except the recipient will be able to decrypt the email. Urban artist you will be able to use two types of keys, one public and one private . The first being the one you need to share with the sender so that they can decrypt the message.

This benefits the security process because the recipient receives the email with a high level of certainty as it is digitally signed by the sender. Public keys are visible to everyone , it is therefore not necessary to hide this information, because this is only part of the message decoding process . This allows for trust and transparency in the système .

Every time you encrypt a folder, you use a session key, which is only used once, strengthening the encryption system.

Another point you should keep in mind is that when messages are encrypted using the PGP protocol, the size of the mail or files is compressed. This saves time, doesn't use so much mobile data (if that's what you do on the street with a phone), and doesn't take up too much space on the storage drive.

Access to a PGP for Linux protocol program is not difficult , so any user can download encryption software for free. And if you prefer, you can rent payment tools or work with online platforms.

Finally, if you are using the Ubuntu distribution, you will not have need to do no steps , since GnuPG is the program that is installed with an operating system. This means that you will save time and just activate this tool to start using it.

Are PGP and GPG compatible on Linux or is it better to choose one?

Both Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) and GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) are two tools that are used for the encryption of e - mails and the data encryption and decoding using functions in line that keep the items shipped safe at all times.

For this reason, it is not necessary to install PGP and GPG on the same computer , because their results will be similar. GPG is an offshoot of the project PGP and is managed by GNU Privacy Guard , which generates the keys for encryption management using the NIST Advanced Encryption Standard.

Although there are other more complex technical differences, the one mentioned above is the most important that exists with PGP, because this protocol uses the encryption algorithm encryption international data .

Therefore, it can be concluded that when the encryption level is not high, you need to use GPG , but if you need to encode the hard drive with a large database including emails, it is recommended that you use PGP.

Learn step by step how to install PGP on a Linux computer

To install PGP on a computer with a Linux operating system, you need to proceed step by step:

Install the software on your computer

The first thing to do is open the terminal and write sudo apt-get install gnupg2 GPAto know the dependencies in order to work correctly with GnuPG with gnu Privacy Assistant . Once this step is completed, you must confirm the space by pressing the key. "and" .

Create the encryption keys

At this point you will need to use the protocol RSA of 4096 bits to increase the security level (if you prefer, you can use shorter ones, but this is not recommended). You will therefore have to enter the command gpg –gen-keyand 1 , when the program asks you what type of security you want. Then you will need to choose the length of the key, which is 4096 bits . In addition, you will have to choose the duration of the key, this can be done by typing the key does not expire . When you are done you will need to enter "and" and Starter .

Enter an identifier to be recognized by the sender

In this step you must create a identity so that the people who receive the message can identify the key . In this case, you will have to choose the option O that the system prompts you then enter a mot de passe that only you know.

Remember that the encryption system is asymmetric. This means that the sender uses the recipient's public key to encrypt the message, and then the recipient uses their private key to decode the mail or file.

Access the key manager

You are now able to use the keys securely. For this you will need to open the Manager de Keywords of the program by typing the command sudo gpa. Then you will have to click on keys then Export keys ... to access the button Save .

Encrypt message

What you need to do now is enter the option Press - french , in the tab Windows , and select the recipient who will receive the mail. Once you have done this you need to click on the button Accept for encrypt the message.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, we will get back to you as soon as possible, and it will be a great help for more community members as well. Thank you!