The GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG or GPG) is a free software alternative for the PGP suite
of cryptographic software, released under the GNU General Public License. It is an
essential tool to encrypt data or communications.
Create a key
gpg --gen-key
Export keys
gpg --export -a "User Name" > public.key
gpg --export-secret-key -a "User Name" > private.key
Import keys and give trust
gpg --import public.key
gpg --import private.key
gpg --edit "User Name"
>trust
(select the 'trust ultimately' option)
>q
List and delete
gpg --delete-secret-key "User Name"
gpg --delete-key "User Name" #corresponding private first
gpg --list-keys
gpg --list-secret-keys
Encrypt
gpg -e [-u "Sender"] [-r "Receiver"] somefile
- creates somefile.gpg, does not delete somefile
- Use yourself as receiver for private data
Decrypt
gpg -d mydata.tar.gpg
