Encrypt Messages with PGP

Encrypt Messages

Encrypt, decrypt, and sign messages with PGP. For the conceptual overview — key pairs, web of trust, fingerprints — see the PGP Encryption Complete Guide.

Encrypting

1. Import recipient's public key
2. Write your message
3. Select recipient's key
4. Encrypt the message
5. Send the encrypted text

Decrypting

1. Copy the encrypted message
2. Open your PGP software
3. Paste and decrypt
4. Enter your passphrase
5. Read the decrypted message

Signing and Verifying Messages

Encryption hides content; a signature proves who wrote it and that nothing was altered — the mechanism vendors use to prove authenticity (see market verification).

Signing

1. Write your message
2. Select "Sign" with your own private key and enter your passphrase
3. Attach or append the signature block to the message
4. Send the signed text

Verifying a signature

1. Import the sender's public key if you haven't already
2. Check the signature against the message (Clipboard → Decrypt/Verify in Kleopatra, or equivalent in your client)
3. The tool confirms valid or invalid and shows which key signed it
4. A failed verification means corruption or forgery — treat it as a red flag