Silk Road forums

Discussion => Newbie discussion => Topic started by: kodiakx on May 09, 2013, 08:42 am

Title: what is PGP key used for?
Post by: kodiakx on May 09, 2013, 08:42 am
I see PGP key all the time in posts and vendor descriptions, what is it used for?
Title: Re: what is PGP key used for?
Post by: onufri on May 09, 2013, 09:17 am
It's a method of encrypting messages. Someone posts a 'public key' that allows you to encrypt a message to them that (theoretically) only they can open. If the message is intercepted somewhere along the way, it shouldn't be readable. You can post your own public key so that other people can send messages to you that only you can read (assuming your computer or your passphrase for privately decrypting messages to you hasn't been compromised by law enforcement).

It's an added layer of security above and beyond Tor.
Title: Re: what is PGP key used for?
Post by: londonpride2 on May 09, 2013, 09:37 am
I see PGP key all the time in posts and vendor descriptions, what is it used for?

There are lots of guides to PGP on the forums you need to make sure you understand it (its quite simple once you get your head around it). Its just a method of communicating securely with the vendor so no one but you and them can read your communication.