Guide to Creating GPG Keys for Personal Data Encryption and Security

In recent years, with increasing concerns about privacy and security, users are advised to encrypt files and data to secure information. GPG or GnuPG has become a useful tool for this purpose. To prevent sensitive and important data from being compromised, readers can refer to how to create GPG keys below.

Creating GPG keys to encrypt and protect privacy

1. Introduction to GPG

GPG is a free encryption tool that assists users in tasks such as encoding, signing, verifying, and creating a Web of Trust using symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods. Users can use GPG to encrypt files, emails, and messages to ensure the security of data and important information.

Built on the open-source code of the OpenPGP protocol, GPG is a free alternative solution to PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), an encryption program developed in 1991 by Phil Zimmermann.

=> Download GPG here.

2. Guide to Creating GPG Keys for Securing Personal Data

To use GPG, you first need to create a private key and securely store it. The process of creating GPG keys varies depending on the hardware and operating system you are using.

If you only want to encrypt emails, basic messages to protect your privacy, you can quickly and relatively safely create GPG keys on all devices using the following methods.

2.1. Generate GPG Key with Kleopatra on Computer

For users installing and using GNU/Linux distributions, you can utilize the client application named Kleopatra to generate GPG keys. Kleopatra is essentially a key manager in the KDE desktop environment, providing extensive management options while supporting cross-platform functionality.

Depending on the operating system version you are using, you can install Kleopatra using the following commands:

- For Debian/Ubuntu (APT):

sudo apt-get install kleopatra\n

- For Red Hat/Fedora (RPM):

sudo yum install kleopatra\n

After completing the installation process, you can use Kleopatra to generate GPG keys. The Kleopatra interface is similar across different operating systems. The screenshot below shows the Kleopatra interface on the Debian distribution:

To create a GPG key, click on File menu => New key pair, then select Generate personal OpenPGP key pair from the displayed menu to proceed.

Now, Kleopatra will prompt you for your name and email address. While it's not necessary to provide accurate information, Mytour recommends using genuine details to establish ownership of the key. Additionally, you can modify this information at any time if desired.

Click on Advanced Settings, and the screen will display technical data about your key. In the Key Material section, you'll find information about the type and size of the key you'll be using. An important note for you is to increase the RSA key size to a maximum of 4096 bits.

If you also want to use SSH as a key, check the box next to the Authentication option to proceed. The Valid until section indicates the expiration date of the key. When the key expires, you can extend its validity based on your needs and preferences.

After adjusting the settings, click on OK. Return to the Enter Details window, find and click on the Next button.

On the Review Parameters window, click on Create. Kleopatra will prompt you to create a password. My advice to you is to use a strong and unpredictable password as it will be responsible for securing your entire key.

After entering the password, the creation process may take a few minutes, depending on the device's capacity and the source of randomness.

If the GPG key creation is successful, the screen will display as shown in the above screenshot. Additionally, at this step, you can back up your key.

If you wish to use the GPG key you've created for exchanging emails, you can send the key to key servers by selecting the option Upload Public Key to Directory Service. This ensures that anyone can send encrypted emails to you.

However, Mytour emphasizes that you should refrain from sending the key to the server unless you are certain it will be used or have the capability to revoke that key. Without a private key, password, or revocation certificate, the keys on the server will remain valid until they expire.

2.2. Creating GPG Key on Android Devices

The steps to create a GPG key on Android devices are much simpler thanks to the free app named OpenKeychain. With this app, you can easily create and manage GPG keys.

Download OpenKeychain by clicking HERE.

After downloading and installing OpenKeychain, the application will provide you with several options for using keys. Here, you locate and select Create My Key.

Enter your username and email address; these details can be changed at any time.

If you intend to use your key for email communication, check the box next to the option Publish on keyservers before creating the GPG key.

Now, you can initiate the key creation process by clicking on the Create Key button. Once completed, you will see the newly generated key on the main window of the OpenKeychain app.

So there you have it! Mytour has just guided you on how to create a GPG key for encrypting and securing your personal data. Best of luck to all of you!