- What Is PGP? GPG?
- Why Should You Care?
- Is GPG Hard to Use?
- Does It Work with Other Crypto Programs?
- Where Can You Find GPG?
- How Does It Work?
- How to Install It
- How to Use It
- Passphrase
- Generate Your Key
- Export Your Key
- Key Management Window
- Importing a Key via the Clipboard
- Importing a Key from the Key Server Network
- Open the GPG Text Editor
- Right-Click Menu
- File Encryption/Decryption
- Problems?
- Possible Legal Hazards
- Resources
Passphrase
There are many ways to crack something secured by a single password. GPG uses a passphrase: a short phrase or sentence. Use one that’s easy for you to remember but would be hard for somebody else to guess (for example, something based on a little-known personal interest). Use capital letters, punctuation, and numbers in the passphrase to expand the search space for anyone trying to crack it. It should be at least three or four words long.
"Who won the War of 1812?" is an example of a passphrase that meets the criteria. As for keeping it secure, a Post-It on your monitor is A Bad Idea. A copy put in your safe-deposit box is a better idea.