07 How does PGP work?
Description
This article is from the PGP mini FAQ, by Andre Bacard abacard@well.sf.ca.us with numerous contributions by others.
07 How does PGP work?
PGP is a type of "public key cryptography." When you
start using PGP, the program generates two "keys" that
belong uniquely to you. Think of these keys as computer
counterparts of the keys in your pocket. One PGP key is
SECRET and stays in your computer. The other key is
PUBLIC. You give this second key to your correspondents.
Here is a sample PUBLIC KEY:
- - - -----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK----- Version: 2.7 mQA9Ai2wD2YAAAEBgJ18cV7rMAFv7P3eBd/cZayI8EEO6XGYkhEO9SLJOw+DFyHg Px5o+IiR2A6Fh+HguQAFEbQZZGVtbyA8ZGVtb0B3ZWxsLnNmLmNhLnVzPokARQIF EC2wD4yR2A6Fh+HguQEB3xcBfRTi3D/2qdU3TosScYMAHfgfUwCelbb6wikSxoF5 ees9DL9QMzPZXCioh42dEUXP0g== =sw5W - - - -----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
Suppose the PUBLIC KEY listed above belongs to you and
that you e-mail it to me. I can store your PUBLIC KEY in
my PGP program and use your PUBLIC KEY to encrypt a
message that only you can read. One beauty of PGP is that
you can advertise your PUBLIC KEY the same way that you
can give out your telephone number. If I have your
telephone nber, I can call your telephone; however, I
cannot answer your telephone. Similarly, if I have your
PUBLIC KEY, I can send you mail; however, I cannot read
your mail.
This PUBLIC KEY concept might sound a bit mysterious at
first. However, it bcomes very clear when you play with
PGP for awhile.
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