Using GnuPG (GPG) in the terminal to send and receive messages and encrypted files involves several steps. Here is a basic guide to help you get started.
- Install GnuPG
Make sure you have GnuPG installed on your system. You can check by running:
gpg --version
If it’s not installed, you can install it using your package manager. For example, on Debian-based systems:
sudo apt-get install gnupg
or arch-based systems:
sudo pacman -S gnupg
- Generate a Key Pair
If you haven’t already created a GPG key pair, you can do so with:
gpg --full-generate-key
Follow the prompts to select the key type, key size, expiration date, and to enter your user ID and passphrase.
- Export Your Public Key
To share your public key with others, you can export it:
gpg --export -a "Your Name" > publickey.asc
Replace “Your Name” with the name or email associated with your key.
- Import a Public Key
To send an encrypted message to someone, you need their public key. If you receive a public key file (e.g., friendkey.asc), import it using:
gpg --import friendkey.asc
- Encrypt a Message
To encrypt a message for a recipient, you can use:
echo "Your secret message" | gpg --encrypt --armor -r "Recipient Name" > message.asc
Replace “Recipient Name” with the name or email associated with the recipient’s public key. The –armor option creates an ASCII-armored output.
- Decrypt a Message
To decrypt a message you received, use:
gpg --decrypt message.asc
You will be prompted for your passphrase if the message is encrypted with your public key.
- Encrypt a File
To encrypt a file, use:
gpg --encrypt -r "Recipient Name" file.txt
This will create an encrypted file named file.txt.gpg.
- Decrypt a File
To decrypt an encrypted file, use:
gpg --decrypt file.txt.gpg > decrypted_file.txt
- Sending Encrypted Files
You can send the encrypted file (file.txt.gpg) via email or any other file transfer method. Only the recipient with the corresponding private key can decrypt it.
- Additional Commands List Keys: To see the keys you have, use:
gpg --list-keys
Delete a Key: To delete a key, use:
gpg --delete-key "Key Name"
Conclusion
This guide provides a basic overview of sending and receiving messages and files using GnuPG in the terminal. For more advanced features and options, refer to the GnuPG documentation or use man gpg in the terminal for more details.
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