When someone in your organization wants to transfer a file – internally or outside of the organization – a few concerns may come up:
- Is the file complete?
- Is it being sent to the right place?
- Will it arrive intact?
- Is sensitive data protected and encrypted from unauthorized recipients?
All are valid concerns, and each can be addressed with the help of encryption. By scrambling the data using one or more trusted encryption algorithms, those sending files can feel more confident that the data being exchanged is secure.
But what about file recipients? Will they be able to easily decode the secure, scrambled file? Yes, if the file was sent with an encryption protocol such as PGP.
What is PGP?
PGP stands for “Pretty Good Privacy.” Since the early 1990s it’s been one of the most widely used cryptographic technologies for signing, encryption and decryption of texts, e-mails, files, directories, disk partitions, and more for increased security.
It’s a flexible option for encrypting files before sending them to trading partners or other recipients to keep sensitive data out of the wrong hands. PGP encryption delivers the privacy that can be missed with online communication.
How PGP Works
In a nutshell, PGP encryption renders plain, readable text into a complex code of unreadable characters, readable only with a “key.” Once a file has been encrypted (hashed, data compressed, or otherwise “locked”) via symmetric private key cryptography or asymmetric public key cryptography – the message can more safely travel to the recipient. The recipient then uses PGP and the private key to decrypt the message.
Sending Files with PGP
To send files with PGP, trustworthy PGP software is vital. The sender will need to have access to the recipient’s public key before they can send their files. Once the file is compressed, PGP will encrypt the plaintext with private key cryptography, turning the message into ciphertext. The session key is then encrypted using the sender’s public key. Once the recipient has received the encrypted file, they can decrypt it using their private key.
Tutorial: How to Encrypt Messages with PGP
What is Open PGP?
Although essentially the same thing, Open PGP and PGP do differ. Open PGP differs from PGP because Open PGP is a standard that defines formats for encryption keys and messages, while PGP itself is a trademarked term and proprietary solution owned by Symantec.
Open PGP is an open source encryption standard that allows the backbone PGP to be used. By open, this means the software is typically free to the public. The term "Open PGP" is often applied to tools, features, or solutions that support open source PGP encryption technology. It is Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) approved.
With Open PGP file encryption in place, you can store sensitive information or transmit information across non-secure networks, such as the internet or email, so that it cannot be read by anyone except the intended recipient. You can
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know about PGP Encryption
Open PGP and Secure Managed File Transfer
Secure file transfer solutions, such as GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer (MFT) support Open PGP technology. With MFT, users can leverage Open PGP to:
- Encrypt files with one or more public keys
- Decrypt files with private keys
- Sign files with private keys
- Verify digital signatures in files using public keys
- Generate full audit logs of all PGP encryption and decryption processes
- Automate the entire process
With Open PGP and MFT in place you can more easily secure the privacy and integrity of the data you exchange daily.
Related Reading: 5 Benefits of PGP Decryption Using Managed File Transfer
Use Open PGP for Free Today
Encrypt, decrypt, sign files, and verify documents with GoAnywhere Open PGP Studio, a free encryption solution for IT users and teams.
