OpenPGPkryptering

OpenPGPkryptering refers to the use of the OpenPGP protocol for encrypting and signing electronic communications. OpenPGP is a non‑proprietary encryption standard defined in RFC 4880 and based on the earlier PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) system invented by Phil Zimmermann in 1991. The protocol combines deterministic and probabilistic cryptographic algorithms to provide confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non‑repudiation of data.

At its core, an OpenPGP message is signed using a private key and optionally encrypted for one or more recipients. The message consists of a binary packet structure that includes a public key encrypted session key, a symmetric data portion using algorithms such as AES or Camellia, and hash values for integrity verification. Each packet type is identified by a tag number, allowing the format to be extended while maintaining backward compatibility.

Key management in OpenPGP follows a web‑of‑trust model. Users may sign the keys of others to establish trust, or rely on trusted certification centers for more formal validation. Key signatures are signed by their owners and can be chained to show level of confidence. The system also supports hierarchical key pairs where a master key signs sub‑keys used for day‑to‑day operations, improving security by limiting exposure of the master key.

OpenPGPkryptering is implemented in many applications—email clients such as Thunderbird with Enigmail, command‑line tools like GnuPG, and integrated libraries for software developers. While its design anticipates future implementations, the standard is actively revised: recent editions introduce new hash functions, elliptic‑curve key types, and improved compression. The community’s open‑source nature ensures continual audits and updates, maintaining confidence in its suitability for both personal and enterprise use.