It is also referred to as GPG . Using GnuPG , you can encrypt your data and correspondence, and authenticate your correspondence by digitally signing your work. GnuPG is also capable of decrypting and verifying PGP 5. Because GnuPG is compatible with other encryption standards, your secure correspondence will probably be compatible with email applications on other operating systems, such as Windows and Macintosh. GnuPG uses public key cryptography to provide users with a secure exchange of data.
Encryption depends upon the use of keys.
In conventional or symmetric cryptography, both ends of the transaction have the same key, which they use to decode each other's transmissions. A person or an organization keeps their private key a secret, and publishes their public key. Do Not Reveal Your Private Key Remember that your public key can be given to anyone with whom you want to communicate securely, but you must never give away your private key. In this chapter, however, we hope you'll gain enough understanding about GnuPG to begin using cryptography in your own correspondence. If you want to learn more about GnuPG , PGP and encryption technology, see the section called Additional Resources .