Novell LINUX ENTERPRISE DESKTOP 10 SP1 - KDE 14-05-2007, Manual, Page: 181 / 354

10
Encryption with KGpg
KGpg is an important component of the encryption infrastructure on your system. With
the help of this program, generate and manage all needed keys. Use its editor function
for the quick creation and encryption of files or use the applet in your panel to encrypt
or decrypt by dragging and dropping. Other programs, such as your mail program
(Kontact or Evolution), access the key data to process signed or encrypted contents.
This chapter covers the basic functions needed for daily work with encrypted files.
10.1 Generating a New Key Pair
To be able to exchange encrypted messages with other users, first generate your own
key pair. One part of it—the public key—is distributed to your communication partners,
who can use it to encrypt the files or e-mail messages they send. The other part of the
key pair—the private key—is used to decrypt the encrypted contents.
IMPORTANT: Private Key versus Public Key
The public key is intended for the public and should be distributed to all your
communication partners. However, only you should have access to the private
key. Do not grant other users access to this data.
Start KGpg from the main menu or press Alt + F2 and enter
kgpg
. When you start the
program for the first time, an assistant appears to guide you through the configuration.
Follow the instructions up to the point where you are prompted to create a key. Enter
a name, an e-mail address, and, optionally, a comment. If you do not like the default
Encryption with KGpg 169