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Encrypting data

by Ardo Illaste last modified 2007-02-06 17:38

Instructions for simple password based encryption of files and folders

Encrypting/decrypting files and folders ...


... in a desktop enviroment

To encrypt data:

  1. Open Konqueror
  2. Select the file or folder you wish to encrypt
  3. From the context menu choose "Actions>Encrypt File" or "Actions>Archive and Encrypt Folder"
  4. In the dialog window make all options visible and choose "Symmetrical Encryption"
  5. Enter a password twice
  6. A new file with the suffix "asc" (when encrypting a file) or "zip.gpg" (when encrypting a folder) will be created. This contains your encrypted data

NB! The original file/folder will still be available, so delete it if necessary.

To decrypt data:

In Konqueror simply choose "Open with Kgpg" from the context menu and enter the password.


... on a command line

To encrypt data with a passphrase:

gpg-zip -c -o filename.gpg data

where filename.gpg is the name of the encrypted file and data is the file or directory you wish to encrypt.

To decrypt data:

gpg-zip -d filename.gpg

You will be prompted for the passphrase you provided during encryption.

Encrypting with keys

Consult Kgpg or gpg manual to learn how to use private/public keys to encrypt your data.





deleting sensitive data

Posted by Heiko Herrmann at 2007-06-04 20:14

deleting (rm) sensitive files is insecure, you should at least wipe them.

Crypting from command line

Posted by Pearu Peterson at 2007-06-04 20:14
Will be there instructions for crypting files and folders from the command line? This is important for users who log in to kev using SSH, for instance, and cannot use X applications.

Crypting from command line

Posted by Marko Vendelin at 2007-06-04 20:14
Those users can probably figure out how to encrypt or not keep the files that have to be encrypted on the server. I am not sure how much encryption will be used, anyway

Crypting from command line

Posted by Pearu Peterson at 2007-06-04 20:14
I would use it. All what is needed, is a small gpg howto for command line users.

cfs

Posted by Heiko Herrmann at 2007-06-04 20:14

a better way would be to use cfs (crypto file system; uses transparent de/enctyption) for encrypted storage of files (no unencrypted files appear), and gpg only for transfering files to other computers (email, cdrom, ...).


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