PGP uses an algorithm that allows you to collapse the text you want to encrypt to save time transferring data and then send the message encrypted so that the recipient receives the document with the maximum security possible.
Further, when using PGP the message is digitally signed. Therefore, the receiver trusts its authenticity due to the security process that the message has passed.
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 you must do for this task.
Why should you install PGP on Linux? Advantages of doing it
When you use PGP in Linux you will be able encrypt all the messages you send through your email, which will strengthen security because no one, except the recipient, will be able to decrypt the email. Further, you will have the possibility to use two types of keys, one public and one private. Being the first one that you must share with the sender so that he can decrypt the message.
This benefits the security process because the recipient receives the email with a high level of certainty, due to the fact that it is digitally signed by the sender. Public keys are visible to everyone, so it is not necessary to hide this information, since it is only part of the message decoding process. This allows confidence and transparency in the system.
Are PGP and GPG compatible on Linux or is it better to choose one of them?
So much Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) as GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) are two tools used for email encryption and data encryption and decoding by means of online functions that allow the security of sent items at all times.
For this reason, no need to install PGP and GPG on the same computer, since the results will be similar. GPG is a derivation of the project PGP and is in charge of the Guard of Privacy GNU, which generates the keys for encryption management through NIST Advanced Encryption Standard.
This is the most important difference that exists with PGP, since this protocol uses encryption International Data Encryption Algorithm. So when the level of encryption is not bulky you should use GPG, but if you need to encode the hard drive of a large database data including emails it is recommended to use PGP.
Learn step by step how to install PGP on a Linux computer
To install PGP on a computer with Linux operating system, you must do this step by step:
Install the software on your computer
The first thing you should do is open the terminal and type sudo apt-get install gnupg2 GPA to know the dependencies to work correctly with GnuPG with Gnu Privacy Assistant. Once you have completed this step, you must confirm the space by pressing the “y” key.
Create the encryption keys
At this time you will have to use the protocol RSA 4096 bits to increase the level of security. So you will have to enter the command gpg –gen-key and later one, when the program asks what type of security is desired. Next, you will have to choose the length of the key, which is given as 4096 bits. In addition, you will have to choose the duration of the key, you can do this by typing key does not expire. When you have finished you will have to enter “Y” and later Enter.
Enter an ID to be recognized by the sender
In this step you must create an identity so that the people who receive the message can identify the key. In this case you will have to choose the option OR offered by the system and then enter a password that only you know it.
Access the Key Manager
You are now in a position to safely use the keys. For this you will have to open the Key Manager from the program by typing the command sudo gpa. Next, you must click on Keys and then in Export Keys … to access the button save.
Encrypt the message
What you should do now is enter the option Clipboard, in the tab Windows, and select the recipient who will have the mail. Once you have done this you must press To accept for code the message.