Pretty Good Privacy, commonly known as PGP, is a widely trusted encryption program designed to secure digital communication. Created in 1991 by Phil Zimmermann, PGP helps protect emails, files, and messages by making them readable only to the intended recipient. It combines strong cryptographic techniques, like symmetric-key and public-key encryption, to ensure privacy and authenticity.
PGP uses a pair of keys: a public key, which you can share with others, and a private key, which remains secret. When someone wants to send you a secure message, they encrypt it with your public key, and only your private key can decrypt it. Additionally, PGP supports digital signatures, allowing users to verify the sender’s identity and ensure the message hasn’t been tampered with.
Thanks to its balance of strong security and user-friendly design, PGP remains a popular choice for anyone wanting to keep online communications private and trustworthy.