What is OpenPGP? (WS_FTP Professional)

OpenPGP is used to encrypt files so that only the intended recipient can receive, open, and view the files. OpenPGP is used widely to secure e-mail communications, but its technology can also be applied to file transfers or encypting files in a computer or server. File encryption provides a base level of security when sent via FTP protocol, and a second-level of security when sent over SSL or SSH. An encrypted file is protected both during transfer and post-transfer.

WS_FTP support for OpenPGP encryption

WS_FTP provides OpenPGP encryption and decryption. With WS_FTP, you can:

  • Encrypt files for transfer to a remote site
  • Decrypt OpenPGP encrypted files
  • Encrypt files for local storage or for local transfer

Before you can encrypt a file with OpenPGP you need to have an encryption key pair.

Key Pairs

OpenPGP uses a key pair to encrypt and decrypt files. Using WS_FTP or any other OpenPGP-enabled application, anyone can generate a personal key pair, which includes a Public Key and a Private Key.

  • The Public Key is distributed to anyone you want to be able to encrypt files so that only you can decrypt them.
  • The Private Key is used to unlock files that have been encrypted using your Public Key.
Note: Your Private Key is much like a password; you should not share it with anyone.

Keyrings

OpenPGP Keys are stored in files called Keyrings.

  • The Public Keyring stores public keys, both yours and those sent to you by others.
  • The Private Keyring stores your private keys.

In WS_FTP, your key pairs, those that you have either generated or imported, are shown in Program Options > OpenPGP > Key Pairs.

Related Topics:

Scenario: Encrypting files for transfer to or from a remote site (Scenario: Encrypting files for transfer to or from a remote site (WS_FTP Professional))

Scenario: Encrypting local files and local transfers (Scenario: Encrypting local files and local transfers (WS_FTP Professional))

Using OpenPGP Mode to encrypt and decrypt transfers to or from a remote site (Using OpenPGP mode to encrypt and decrypt files for transfer (WS_FTP Professional))