Description

This article is from the PGP mini FAQ, by Andre Bacard abacard@well.sf.ca.us with numerous contributions by others.

04 Aren't computers and e-mail already safe? (PGP)

Your computer files (unless encrypted) can be read by
anyone with access to your machine. E-mail is notoriously
unsafe. Typical e-mail travels through many computers.
The persons who run these computers can read, copy, and
store your mail. Many competitors and voyeurs are highly
motivated to intercept e-mail. Sending your business,
legal, and personal mail through computers is even less
confidential than sending the same material on a
postcard. PGP is one secure "envelope" that keeps
busybodies, competitors, and criminals from victimizing
you.

Continue to:

• prev: 03 Who uses PGP encryption [or other RSA-based systems]?
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• next: 05 I have nothing to hide. Why do I need privacy? (PGP)