Email Self-Defense

+src="../static/img/fsf-logo.png" />

@@ -85,9 +500,9 @@ the world taking the first step towards protecting their privacy.

+src="../static/img/en/donate.png" />

@@ -95,7 +510,7 @@ src="//static.fsf.org/nosvn/enc-dev0/img/en/donate.png" />

Bulk surveillance violates our fundamental rights and makes free speech risky. This guide will teach you a basic surveillance self-defense skill: email @@ -108,11 +523,11 @@ connection, an email account, and about forty minutes.

of people you communicate with, and makes life difficult for bulk surveillance systems. If you do have something important to hide, you're in good company; these are the same tools that whistleblowers use to protect their identities -while shining light on human rights abuses, corruption and other crimes.

+while shining light on human rights abuses, corruption, and other crimes.

In addition to using encryption, standing up to surveillance requires fighting politically for a reduction +href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">reduction in the amount of data collected on us, but the essential first step is to protect yourself and make surveillance of your communication as difficult as possible. This guide helps you do that. It is designed for beginners, but @@ -135,19 +550,13 @@ to teaching your friends.

href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html">freely licensed; it's completely transparent and anyone can copy it or make their own version. This makes it safer from surveillance than proprietary -software (like Windows). Learn more about free software at fsf.org.

Most GNU/Linux operating systems come with GnuPG installed on them, -so you don't have to download it. Before configuring GnuPG though, you'll -need the IceDove desktop email program installed on your computer. Most -GNU/Linux distributions have IceDove installed already, though it may be -under the alternate name "Thunderbird." Email programs are another way to -access the same email accounts you can access in a browser (like Gmail), -but provide extra features.

Most GNU/Linux operating systems come with GnuPG installed on them, so if you're running one of these systems, you don't have to download it. If you're running macOS or Windows, steps to download GnuPG are below. "Before configuring your encryption setup with this guide, though, you'll need a desktop email program installed on your computer. Many GNU/Linux distributions have one installed already, such as Icedove, which may be under the alternate name "Thunderbird." Programs like these are another way to access the same email accounts you can access in a browser (like Gmail), but provide extra features.

If you already have an email program, you can skip to Step 1.b.

+href="#section2">Step 2.

@@ -156,7 +565,7 @@ href="#step-1b">Step 1.b.

@@ -165,16 +574,8 @@ alt="Step 1.A: Install Wizard" />

Step 1.a Set up your email program with your email account

Open your email program and follow the wizard (step-by-step walkthrough) -that sets it up with your email account.

- -

Look for the letters SSL, TLS, or STARTTLS to the right of the servers -when you're setting up your account. If you don't see them, you will still -be able to use encryption, but this means that the people running your email -system are running behind the industry standard in protecting your security -and privacy. We recommend that you send them a friendly email asking them -to enable SSL, TLS, or STARTTLS for your email server. They will know what -you're talking about, so it's worth making the request even if you aren't -an expert on these security systems.

+that sets it up with your email account. This usually starts from "Account Settings" → "Add Mail Account". You should get the email server settings from your systems administrator or the help section of your email account.

@@ -192,6 +593,10 @@ like "Add account" or "New/Existing email account."

Before searching the Web, we recommend you start by asking other people who use your email system, to figure out the correct settings.

I can't find the menu

In many new email programs, the main menu is represented by an image of +three stacked horizontal bars.

Don't see a solution to your problem?

Please let us know on the feedback @@ -204,67 +609,70 @@ page.

Step 1.b Install the Enigmail plugin for your email program

Step 1.b Get your terminal ready and install GnuPG

+ +

If you are using a GNU/Linux machine, you should already have GnuPG installed, and you can skip to Step 2.

If you are using a macOS or Windows machine, however, you need to first install the GnuPG program. Select your operating system below and follow the steps. For the rest of the steps in this guide, the steps are the same for all operating systems.

In your email program's menu, select Add-ons (it may be in the Tools -section). Make sure Extensions is selected on the left. Do you see Enigmail? -Make sure it's the latest version. If so, skip this step.

+ +

If not, search "Enigmail" with the search bar in the upper right. You -can take it from here. Restart your email program when you're done.

MacOS

There are major security flaws in versions of GnuPG prior to 2.2.8, and -Enigmail prior to 2.0.7. Make sure you have GnuPG 2.2.8 and Enigmail 2.0.7, -or later versions.

Use a third-party package manager to install GnuPG: Your macOS comes with a program called "Terminal" pre-installed, which we'll use to set up your encryption with GnuPG, using the command line. However, the default macOS package manager makes it difficult to install GnuPG and other pieces of free software (like Emacs, GIMP, or Inkscape).
+To make things easier, we recommend setting up the third-party package manager "Homebrew" to install GnuPG. Copy the link on the home page of Homebrew and paste it in Terminal. Click "Enter" and wait for it to finalize.
+When it is done, install the program by entering the following code in Terminal:
+brew install gnupg gnupg2. After installation is done, you can follow the steps of the rest of this guide.

- +

+ +

Troubleshooting

Windows

I can't find the menu.: In many new email programs, the main menu is represented by an image of -three stacked horizontal bars.
Get GnuPG by downloading GPG4Win: GPG4Win is a email and file encryption software package that includes GnuPG. Download and install the latest version, choosing default options whenever asked. After it's installed, you can close any windows that it creates.
-
My email looks weird: Enigmail doesn't tend to play nice with HTML, which is used to format -emails, so it may disable your HTML formatting automatically. To send an -HTML-formatted email without encryption or a signature, hold down the Shift -key when you select compose. You can then write an email as if Enigmail -wasn't there.
Don't see a solution to your problem?: Please let us know on the feedback -page.

+ + +

+ +

GnuPG, OpenPGP, what?

+ +

In general, the terms GnuPG, GPG, GNU Privacy Guard, OpenPGP and PGP +are used interchangeably. Technically, OpenPGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is the +encryption standard, and GNU Privacy Guard (often shortened to GPG or GnuPG) +is the program that implements the standard. Most email programs provide an interface for GnuPG. There is also a newer version of GnuPG, called GnuPG2.

+ +

#2 Make your keys

A robot with a head shaped like a key holding a private and a public key

To use the GnuPG system, you'll need a public key and a private key (known together as a keypair). Each is a long string of randomly generated numbers @@ -280,7 +688,7 @@ look up your public key.

Your private key is more like a physical key, because you keep it to yourself (on your computer). You use GnuPG and your private key together to descramble encrypted emails other people send to you. You should never share you private key with anyone, under any +bold;">You should never share your private key with anyone, under any circumstances.

In addition to encryption and decryption, you can also use these keys to @@ -292,82 +700,77 @@ discuss this more in the next section.

Step 2.a Make a keypair

Make your keypair

Open a terminal using ctrl + alt + t (on GNU/linux), or find it in your applications, and use the following code to create your keypair:

The Enigmail Setup wizard may start automatically. If it doesn't, select -Enigmail → Setup Wizard from your email program's menu. You don't need -to read the text in the window that pops up unless you'd like to, but it's -good to read the text on the later screens of the wizard. Click Next with -the default options selected, except in these instances, which are listed -in the order they appear:

- -

On the screen titled "Encryption," select "Encrypt all of my messages -by default, because privacy is critical to me."

We will use the command line in a terminal to create a keypair using the GnuPG program. A terminal should be installed on your GNU/Linux operating system, if you are using a macOS or Windows OS system, use the programs "Terminal" (macOS) or "PowerShell" (Windows) that were also used in section 1.

On the screen titled "Signing," select "Don't sign my messages by -default."

# gpg --full-generate-key to start the process.

# To answer what kind of key you would like to create, select the default option 1 RSA and RSA.

# Enter the following keysize: 4096 for a strong key.

# Choose the expiration date, we suggest 2y (2 years).

Follow the prompts to continue setting up with your personal details.

On the screen titled "Key Selection," select "I want to create a new -key pair for signing and encrypting my email."
On the screen titled "Create Key," pick a strong password! You can +
+
Set your passphrase
+
On the screen titled "Passphrase," pick a strong password! You can do it manually, or you can use the Diceware method. Doing it manually is faster but not as secure. Using Diceware takes longer and requires dice, but creates a password that is much harder for attackers to figure out. To use it, read the section "Make a secure passphrase with Diceware" in -this article by Micah Lee.

+this article by Micah Lee.

+ -

If you'd like to pick a password manually, come up with something +

If you'd like to pick a passphrase manually, come up with something you can remember which is at least twelve characters long, and includes at least one lower case and upper case letter and at least one number or punctuation symbol. Never pick a password you've used elsewhere. Don't use any recognizable patterns, such as birthdays, telephone numbers, pets' names, song lyrics, quotes from books, and so on.

The program will take a little while to finish the next -step, the "Key Creation" screen. While you wait, do something else with your -computer, like watching a movie or browsing the Web. The more you use the -computer at this point, the faster the key creation will go.

- -

When the "Key Generation Completed" screen -pops up, select Generate Certificate and choose to save it in a safe place on -your computer (we recommend making a folder called "Revocation Certificate" -in your home folder and keeping it there). This step is essential for your -email self-defense, as you'll learn more about in Section -5.

Troubleshooting

I can't find the Enigmail menu.: In many new email programs, the main menu is represented by an image -of three stacked horizontal bars. Enigmail may be inside a section called -Tools.
GnuPG is not installed: +GPG is not installed. You can check if this is the case with the command gpg --version. +If GnuPG is not installed, it would bring up the following result on most GNU/Linux operating systems, or something like it: +Command 'gpg' not found, but can be installed with: + sudo apt install gnupg. Follow that command and install the program.
The wizard says that it cannot find GnuPG.: Open whatever program you usually use for installing software, and search -for GnuPG, then install it. Then restart the Enigmail setup wizard by going -to Enigmail → Setup Wizard.
I took too long to create my passphrase: That's okay. It's important to think about your passphrase. When you're ready, just follow the steps from the beginning again to create your key.
How can I see my key?: +Use the following command to see all keys gpg --list-keys. Yours should be listed in there, and later, so will Edward's (section 3). If you want to see only your key, you can use gpg --list-key [your@email]. +You can also use gpg --list-secret-key to see your own private key.
More resources: If you're having trouble with our -instructions or just want to learn more, check out -Enigmail's wiki instructions for key generation.; For more information about this process, you can also refer to The GNU Privacy +Handbook. Make sure you stick with "RSA and RSA" (the default), +because it's newer and more secure than the algorithms the documentation +recommends. Also make sure your key is at least 4096 bits if you +want to be secure.
Don't see a solution to your problem?: Please let us know on the .

@@ -409,20 +801,45 @@ provide good guides for setting up a secure subkey configuration.

- -

Step 2.b Upload your public key to a keyserver

+ +

Right click on your key and select Upload Public Keys to Keyserver. Use -the default keyserver in the popup.

Step 2.b Some important steps following creation

Now someone who wants to send you an encrypted message can -download your public key from the Internet. There are multiple keyservers +

Upload your key to a keyserver

We will upload your key to a keyserver, so if someone wants to send you an encrypted message, they can download your public key from the Internet. There are multiple keyservers that you can select from the menu when you upload, but they are all copies of each other, so it doesn't matter which one you use. However, it sometimes takes a few hours for them to match each other when a new key is uploaded.

# Copy your keyID gnupg --list-key [your@email] will list your public ("pub") key information, including your keyID, which is a unique list of numbers and letters. Copy this keyID, so you can use it in the following command.

# Upload your key to a server: gpg --send-key [keyID]

+ +
+ +

Export your key to a file

Use the following command to export your secret key so you can import it into your email client at the next step. To avoid getting your key compromised, store this in a safe place, and make sure that if it is transferred, it is done so in a trusted way. Exporting your keys can be done with the following commands:

+ + +$ gpg --export-secret-keys -a keyid > my_secret_key.asc
+$ gpg --export -a keyid > my_public_key.asc
+
+ +
+ +

Generate a revocation certificate

Just in case you lose your key, or it gets compromised, you want to generate a certificate and choose to save it in a safe place on your computer for now (please refer to step 6.C for how to best store your revocation cerficate safely). This step is essential for your email self-defense, as you'll learn more about in Section 5.

+ +

# Generate a revocation certificate: gpg --output revoke.asc [keyID]

# It will prompt you to give a reason for revocation, we recommend to use 1 "key has been compromised"

# You don't have to fill in a reason, but you can, then press enter for an empty line, and comfirm your selection.

+ +

@@ -430,20 +847,17 @@ takes a few hours for them to match each other when a new key is uploaded.

Troubleshooting

The progress bar never finishes: Close the upload popup, make sure you are connected to the Internet, -and try again. If that doesn't work, try again, selecting a different -keyserver.
My key doesn't appear in the list: Try checking "Display All Keys by Default."
My key doesn't seem to be working or I get a "permission denied.": Like every other file or folder, gpg keys are subject to permissions. If these are not set correctly, your system may not be accepting your keys. You can follow the next steps to check, and update to the right permissions.

-
More documentation: If you're having trouble with our -instructions or just want to learn more, check out -Enigmail's documentation.
Don't see a solution to your problem?: Please let us know on the feedback @@ -458,44 +872,111 @@ page.

+ + +

+ +

#3 Set up email encryption

The Icedove (or Thunderbird) email program has PGP functionality integrated, which makes it pretty easy to work with. We'll take you through the steps of integrating and using your key in these email clients.

+ +

GnuPG, OpenPGP, what?

Step 3.a Set up your email with encryption

+Once you have set up your email with encryption, you can start contributing to encrypted traffic on the Internet. First we'll get your email client to import your secret key, and we will also learn how to get other people's public keys from servers so you can send and receive encrypted email. -

In general, the terms GnuPG, GPG, GNU Privacy Guard, OpenPGP and PGP -are used interchangeably. Technically, OpenPGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is the -encryption standard, and GNU Privacy Guard (often shortened to GPG or GnuPG) -is the program that implements the standard. Enigmail is a plug-in program -for your email program that provides an interface for GnuPG.

# Open your email client and use "Tools" → OpenPGP Manager

# Under "File" → Import Secret Key(s) From File

# Select the file you saved under the name [my_secret_key.asc] in step step 3.b when you exported your key

# Unlock with your passphrase

# You will receive a "OpenPGP keys successfully imported" window to confirm success

# Go to "Edit" (in Icedove) or "Tools" (in Thunderbird) → "Account settings" → "End-To-End Encryption," and make sure your key is imported and select Treat this key as a Personal Key.

- -

+ +

Troubleshooting

I'm not sure the import worked correctly: +Look for "Account settings" → "End-To-End Encryption" (Under "Edit" (in Icedove) or "Tools" (in Thunderbird)). Here you can see if your personal key associated with this email is found. If it is not, you can try again via the Add key option. Make sure you have the correct, active, secret key file. +
Don't see a solution to your problem?: Please let us know on the feedback +page.

+ +

+ + +

#3 Try it out!

- -

Now you'll try a test correspondence with a computer program named Edward, +

#4 Try it out!

Illustration of a person in a house with a cat connected to a server

Now you'll try a test correspondence with an FSF computer program named Edward, who knows how to use encryption. Except where noted, these are the same steps you'd follow when corresponding with a real, live person.

@@ -506,77 +987,83 @@ testing with Edward.

-->

Step 3.a Send Edward your public key

Step 4.a Send Edward your public key

This is a special step that you won't have to do when corresponding -with real people. In your email program's menu, go to Enigmail → Key -Management. You should see your key in the list that pops up. Right click -on your key and select Send Public Keys by Email. This will create a new -draft message, as if you had just hit the Write button.

+with real people. In your email program's menu, go to "Tools" → "OpenPGP Key +Manager." You should see your key in the list that pops up. Right click +on your key and select Send Public Keys by Email. This will create a new draft message, as if you had just hit the "Write" button, but in the attachment you will find your public keyfile.

Address the message to edward-en@fsf.org. Put at least one word (whatever you want) in the subject and body of the email. Don't send yet.

The lock icon in the top left should be yellow, meaning encryption is -turned on. We want this first special message to be unencrypted, so -click the icon once to turn it off. The lock should become grey, with a -blue dot on it (to alert you that the setting has been changed from the -default). Once encryption is off, hit Send.

We want Edward to be able to open the email with your keyfile, so we want this first special message to be unencrypted. Make sure encryption is turned off by using the dropdown menu "Security" and select Do Not Encrypt. Once encryption is off, hit Send.

It may take two or three minutes for Edward to respond. In the meantime, you might want to skip ahead and check out the Use it Well section of this guide. Once he's responded, +href="#section6">Use it Well section of this guide. Once you have received a response, head to the next step. From here on, you'll be doing just the same thing as when corresponding with a real person.

When you open Edward's reply, GnuPG may prompt you for your password +

When you open Edward's reply, GnuPG may prompt you for your passphrase before using your private key to decrypt it.

+ -

The lock icon in the top left of the window should be yellow, meaning -encryption is on. This will be your default from now on.

Next to the lock, you'll notice an icon of a pencil. We'll -get to this in a moment.

Step 4.b Send a test encrypted email

Get Edward's key

To encrypt an email to Edward, you need its public key, so now you'll have +to download it from a keyserver. You can do this in two different ways:

Option 1. In the email answer you received from Edward as a response to your first email, Edward's public key was included. On the right of the email, just above the writing area, you will find an "OpenPGP" button that has a lock and a little wheel next to it. Click that, and select Discover next to the text: "This message was sent with a key that you don't have yet." A popup with Edward's key details will follow. -

Click Send. Enigmail will pop up a window that says "Recipients not valid, -not trusted or not found."

Option 2. Open your OpenPGP manager and under "Keyserver" choose Discover Keys Online. Here, fill in Edward's email address, and import Edward's key. -

To encrypt an email to Edward, you need his public key, so now you'll have -Enigmail download it from a keyserver. Click Download Missing Keys and use -the default in the pop-up that asks you to choose a keyserver. Once it finds -keys, check the first one (Key ID starting with C), then select ok. Select -ok in the next pop-up.

The option Accepted (unverified) will add this key to your key manager, and now it can be used to send encrypted emails and to verify digital signatures from Edward.

Now you are back at the "Recipients not valid, not trusted or not found" -screen. Check the box in front of Edward's key and click Send.

In the popup window confirming if you want to import Edward's key, you'll see many different emails that are all associated with its key. This is correct; you can safely import the key.

Since you encrypted this email with Edward's public key, Edward's private key is required to decrypt it. Edward is the only one with -his private key, so no one except him can decrypt it.

+its private key, so no one except Edward can decrypt it.

+ +
+

Send Edward an encrypted email

+ +

Write a new email in your email program, addressed to edward-en@fsf.org. Make the subject +"Encryption test" or something similar and write something in the body.

+ +

This time, make sure encryption is turned on by using the dropdown menu "Security" and select Require Encryption. Once encryption is on, hit Send.

+ +

@@ -584,7 +1071,13 @@ his private key, so no one except him can decrypt it.

Troubleshooting

Enigmail can't find Edward's key
"Recipients not valid, not trusted or not found": You may be trying to send an encrypted email to someone when you do not have their public key yet. Make sure you follow the steps above to import the key to your key manager. Open OpenPGP Key Manager to make sure the recipient is listed there.
Unable to send message: You could get the following message when trying to send your encrypted email: "Unable to send this message with end-to-end encryption, because there are problems with the keys of the following recipients: edward-en@fsf.org." This usually means you imported the key with the "unaccepted (unverified) option." Go to the "key properties" of this key by right clicking on the key in the OpenPGP Key Manager, and select the option Yes, but I have not verified that this is the correct key in the "Acceptance" option at the bottom of this window. Resend the email.
I can't find Edward's key: Close the pop-ups that have appeared since you clicked Send. Make sure you are connected to the Internet and try again. If that doesn't work, repeat the process, choosing a different keyserver when it asks you to pick one.
More resources: If you're still having trouble with our -instructions or just want to learn more, check out -Enigmail's wiki.
Don't see a solution to your problem?: Please let us know on the feedback @@ -624,7 +1111,7 @@ appear in the regular character set.

@@ -637,46 +1124,50 @@ don't put private information there. The sending and receiving addresses aren't encrypted either, so a surveillance system can still figure out who you're communicating with. Also, surveillance agents will know that you're using GnuPG, even if they can't figure out what you're saying. When you -send attachments, Enigmail will give you the choice to encrypt them or not, +send attachments, you can choose to encrypt them or not, independent of the actual email.

For greater security against potential attacks, you can turn off HTML. Instead, you can render the message body as plain text. In order -to do this in Thunderbird, go to View > Message Body As > Plain +to do this in Icedove or Thunderbird, go to View > Message Body As > Plain Text.

+ +

Step 3.c Receive a response

Step 4.c Receive a response

When Edward receives your email, he will use his private key to decrypt -it, then use your public key (which you sent him in Step -3.A) to encrypt his reply to you.

When Edward receives your email, it will use its private key to decrypt +it, then reply to you.

It may take two or three minutes for Edward to respond. In the meantime, you might want to skip ahead and check out the Use it Well section of this guide.

+href="#section6">Use it Well section of this guide.

When you receive Edward's email and open it, Enigmail will automatically -detect that it is encrypted with your public key, and then it will use your -private key to decrypt it.

Edward will send you an encrypted email back saying your email was received and decypted. Your email client will automatically decrypt Edward's message.

Notice the bar that Enigmail shows you above the message, with information -about the status of Edward's key.

The OpenPGP button in the email will show a little green checkmark over the lock symbol to show the message is encypted, and a little orange warning sign which means that you have accepted the key, but not verified it. When you have not yet accepted the key, you will see a little question mark there. Clicking the prompts in this button will lead you to key properties as well.

Step 3.d Send a test signed email

Step 4.d Send a signed test email

GnuPG includes a way for you to sign messages and files, verifying that they came from you and that they weren't tampered with along the way. These @@ -690,52 +1181,56 @@ they don't have GnuPG, they will be able to read your message and see your signature. If they do have GnuPG, they'll also be able to verify that your signature is authentic.

To sign an email to Edward, compose any message to him and click the +

To sign an email to Edward, compose any message to the email address and click the pencil icon next to the lock icon so that it turns gold. If you sign a message, GnuPG may ask you for your password before it sends the message, because it needs to unlock your private key for signing.

With the lock and pencil icons, you can choose whether each message will -be encrypted, signed, both, or neither.

In "Account Settings" → "End-To-End-Encryption" you can opt to add digital signature by default.

Step 3.e Receive a response

Step 4.e Receive a response

When Edward receives your email, he will use your public key (which you -sent him in Step 3.A) to verify that your signature -is authentic and the message you sent has not been tampered with.

When Edward receives your email, he will use your public key (which +you sent him in Step 3.A) to verify the message +you sent has not been tampered with and to encrypt a reply to you.

It may take two or three minutes for Edward to respond. In the meantime, you might want to skip ahead and check out the Use it Well section of this guide.

+href="#section6">Use it Well section of this guide.

Edward's reply will arrive encrypted, because he prefers to use encryption whenever possible. If everything goes according to plan, it should say "Your signature was verified." If your test signed email was also encrypted, he will mention that first.

When you receive Edward's email and open it, your email client will +automatically detect that it is encrypted with your public key, and +then it will use your private key to decrypt it.

- -

+ +

#4 Learn the Web of Trust

#5 Learn about the Web of Trust

Illustration of keys all interconnected with a web of lines

Email encryption is a powerful technology, but it has a weakness; +

Email encryption is a powerful technology, but it has a weakness: it requires a way to verify that a person's public key is actually theirs. Otherwise, there would be no way to stop an attacker from making -an email address with your friend's name, creating keys to go with it and +an email address with your friend's name, creating keys to go with it, and impersonating your friend. That's why the free software programmers that developed email encryption created keysigning and the Web of Trust.

@@ -756,31 +1251,25 @@ connected to each other by chains of trust expressed through signatures.

Step 4.a Sign a key

- -

In your email program's menu, go to Enigmail → Key Management.

- -

Right click on Edward's public key and select Sign Key from the context -menu.

Step 5.a Sign a key

In the window that pops up, select "I will not answer" and click ok.

In your email program's menu, go to OpenPGP Key Manager and select Key properties by right clicking on Edward's key.

Now you should be back at the Key Management menu. Select Keyserver → -Upload Public Keys and hit ok.

Under "Your Acceptance," you can select Yes, I've verified in person this key has the correct fingerprint".

You've just effectively said "I trust that Edward's public key actually belongs to Edward." This doesn't mean much because Edward isn't -a real person, but it's good practice.

+a real person, but it's good practice, and for real people it is important. You can read more about signing a person's key in the check IDs before signing section.

@@ -810,15 +1299,15 @@ type="reset" value="reset" name=".reset">

People's public keys are usually identified by their key fingerprint, which is a string of digits like F357AA1A5B1FA42CFD9FE52A9FF2194CC09A61E8 (for Edward's key). You can see the fingerprint for your public key, and -other public keys saved on your computer, by going to Enigmail → Key +other public keys saved on your computer, by going to OpenPGP Key Management in your email program's menu, then right clicking on the key and choosing Key Properties. It's good practice to share your fingerprint wherever you share your email address, so that people can double-check that they have the correct public key when they download yours from a keyserver.

You may also see public keys referred to by a shorter -key ID. This key ID is visible directly from the Key Management -window. These eight character key IDs were previously used for +keyID. This keyID is visible directly from the Key Management +window. These eight character keyIDs were previously used for identification, which used to be safe, but is no longer reliable. You need to check the full fingerprint as part of verifying you have the correct key for the person you are trying to contact. Spoofing, in @@ -840,12 +1329,9 @@ belongs to them, and that they are who they say they are. Ideally, this confidence comes from having interactions and conversations with them over time, and witnessing interactions between them and others. Whenever signing a key, ask to see the full public key fingerprint, and not just the shorter -key ID. If you feel it's important to sign the key of someone you've just +keyID. If you feel it's important to sign the key of someone you've just met, also ask them to show you their government identification, and make -sure the name on the ID matches the name on the public key. In Enigmail, -answer honestly in the window that pops up and asks "How carefully have you -verified that the key you are about to sign actually belongs to the person(s) -named above?"

+sure the name on the ID matches the name on the public key.

@@ -855,31 +1341,24 @@ named above?"

Master the Web of Trust: Unfortunately, trust does not spread between users the way many people -think. One of best ways to strengthen the GnuPG community is to deeply many people +think. One of the best ways to strengthen the GnuPG community is to deeply understand the Web of Trust and to carefully sign as many people's keys as circumstances permit.
Set ownertrust: If you trust someone enough to validate other people's keys, you can assign -them an ownertrust level through Enigmails's key management window. Right -click on the other person's key, go to the "Select Owner Trust" menu option, -select the trustlevel and click OK. Only do this once you feel you have a -deep understanding of the Web of Trust.

+ - -

+ +

#5 Use it well

#6 Use it well

Everyone uses GnuPG a little differently, but it's important to follow some basic practices to keep your email secure. Not following them, you @@ -889,12 +1368,12 @@ and damage the Web of Trust.

@@ -918,15 +1397,15 @@ nice to also include a link to this guide in your standard email signature (the text kind, not the cryptographic kind).

@@ -939,41 +1418,37 @@ invalid keys might be readable by surveillance programs.

In your email program, go back to the first encrypted email that Edward sent you. Because Edward encrypted it with your public key, it will have a -message from Enigmail at the top, which most likely says "Enigmail: Part of -this message encrypted."

+green checkmark a at the top "OpenPGP" button.

When using GnuPG, make a habit of glancing at that bar. The program +

When using GnuPG, make a habit of glancing at that button. The program will warn you there if you get an email signed with a key that can't be trusted.

-
+

Copy your revocation certificate to somewhere safe

Remember when you created your keys and saved the revocation certificate -that GnuPG made? It's time to copy that certificate onto the safest digital -storage that you have -- the ideal thing is a flash drive, disk, or hard -drive stored in a safe place in your home, not on a device you carry with -you regularly.
+that GnuPG made? It's time to copy that certificate onto the safest storage that you have -- a flash drive, disk, or hard drive stored in a safe place in your home could work, not on a device you carry with you regularly. The safest way we know is actually to print the revocation certificate and store it in a safe place.

If your private key ever gets lost or stolen, you'll need this certificate file to let people know that you are no longer using that keypair.

-
+

-
Important: act swiftly if someone gets your private key
+
IMPORTANT: ACT SWIFTLY if someone gets your private key
-
If you lose your private key or someone else gets ahold +
If you lose your private key or someone else gets a hold of it (say, by stealing or cracking your computer), it's important to revoke it immediately before someone else uses it to read your encrypted email or forge your signature. This @@ -986,23 +1461,6 @@ of your new key.

- - -

@@ -1019,8 +1477,8 @@ a scrambled email.

- +

Make your public key part of your online identity
@@ -1038,12 +1496,12 @@ or business card. (At the Free Software Foundation, we put ours on our culture to the point that we feel like something is missing when we see an email address without a public key fingerprint.
-
--> -

+ +

- -
+ +

@@ -1051,7 +1509,7 @@ email address without a public key fingerprint.

-
+

Infographic and guide design by Journalism++Journalism++
+src="../static/js/jquery-1.11.0.min.js"> +src="../static/js/scripts.js"> - - - + + + + +

Move freedom forward with a donation to the FSF!

Set your passphrase

Troubleshooting

Advanced

Step 2.b Upload your public key to a keyserver

Step 2.b Some important steps following creation

Upload your key to a keyserver

Export your key to a file

Generate a revocation certificate

Troubleshooting

Advanced

Copy your revocation certificate to somewhere safe