How to Use PGP Communication: Complete Beginner's Guide
📋 Table of Contents
PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is the gold standard for encrypted communication on the dark web and beyond. Whether you're communicating with vendors on darknet markets, sending sensitive information, or simply want to ensure your privacy, understanding PGP is absolutely essential. This comprehensive guide will take you from complete beginner to confident PGP user.
🎯 What is PGP and Why Do You Need It?
PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is an encryption program that provides cryptographic privacy and authentication for data communication. In simpler terms, it allows you to:
- Encrypt messages: Only the intended recipient can read your messages
- Sign messages: Prove that a message really came from you
- Verify identities: Confirm you're talking to the right person
- Protect sensitive data: Keep your communications private from surveillance
Why PGP matters on the dark web: Most darknet markets and security-conscious services require or strongly recommend PGP for all communications. Without it, you're essentially sending postcards that anyone can read.
🔑 Understanding PGP Keys
PGP uses a system called "asymmetric encryption" which involves two keys:
🔓 Public Key
This is like your mailing address - you share it publicly so others can send you encrypted messages. Anyone can use your public key to encrypt a message, but only you can decrypt it with your private key.
🔐 Private Key
This is like the key to your mailbox - you NEVER share this with anyone. Your private key decrypts messages sent to you and signs messages to prove they came from you. If someone gets your private key, they can read all your encrypted messages and impersonate you.
⚠️ Critical Security Warning
NEVER share your private key with anyone, ever. If someone asks for your private key, they are trying to scam you. Legitimate services will ONLY ask for your public key. Store your private key securely and make encrypted backups.
🛠️ Setting Up PGP: Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing Your PGP Software
There are several PGP implementations available. The most popular and trusted options are:
GPG4Win (Windows)
Download: gpg4win.org
Includes: Kleopatra (key management), GpgOL (Outlook integration)
Best for: Windows users who want a complete solution
GPG Suite (macOS)
Download: gpgtools.org
Includes: GPG Keychain, Mail integration
Best for: Mac users wanting native integration
GnuPG (Linux)
Installation: Usually pre-installed or via package manager
Interface: Command-line (GUI options available)
Best for: Linux users and advanced users
Mailvelope (Browser Extension)
Download: mailvelope.com
Works with: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Best for: Webmail users and beginners
📝 Creating Your First PGP Key Pair
We'll use Kleopatra (from GPG4Win) as our example, but the process is similar across all platforms.
1 Install GPG4Win
Download GPG4Win from the official website (gpg4win.org) and install it. Launch Kleopatra after installation.
2 Create New Key Pair
In Kleopatra, click "New Key Pair" or go to File → New OpenPGP Key Pair
3 Enter Your Details
Important: For dark web use, consider using a pseudonym instead of your real name. Use a secure email address that isn't linked to your real identity.
- Name: Use your chosen username or pseudonym
- Email: Use a secure, anonymous email (ProtonMail recommended)
- Comment: Optional - can be left blank
4 Advanced Settings (Optional but Recommended)
Click "Advanced Settings" to customize your key:
- Key Type: RSA + RSA (default)
- Key Size: 4096 bits (maximum security - highly recommended)
- Valid Until: Set an expiration date (2-5 years recommended)
Why set expiration? If you lose access to your key, it won't be valid forever. You can always extend the expiration date later.
5 Create Strong Passphrase
Critical: Your passphrase protects your private key. If someone gets your private key file but not your passphrase, they still can't use it.
Passphrase Requirements:
- Minimum 20 characters (longer is better)
- Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- Should be memorable but not guessable
- Consider using a passphrase generator or password manager
Good Example: "MyDog-Loves2Eat!Pizza@Midnight-1995" Bad Example: "password123" or "qwerty"
6 Generate and Backup Your Keys
Click "Create" and wait for key generation to complete (may take a minute with 4096-bit keys).
Immediately after creation:
- Right-click your new key → "Export Secret Keys"
- Save to a USB drive or encrypted storage
- Store in a safe location separate from your computer
- Consider making multiple backup copies
📤 Sharing Your Public Key
To receive encrypted messages, you need to share your public key with others. Here's how:
Method 1: Export as Text
In Kleopatra:
- Right-click your key → "Export"
- Choose a location and filename
- Open the file with a text editor
- Copy the entire key block (including BEGIN and END lines)
-----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK----- mQINBGXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [... key data ...] XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
Method 2: Upload to Key Server
Key servers are public directories where people can search for and download public keys:
- Right-click your key → "Publish on Server"
- Select a keyserver (keys.openpgp.org recommended)
- Others can then search for your key by email or key ID
Privacy Note: Uploading to key servers makes your email/username publicly searchable. For maximum anonymity, share your public key directly instead.
🔒 Encrypting a Message
Now let's encrypt a message for someone else. You'll need their public key first.
1 Import Recipient's Public Key
In Kleopatra:
- Click "Import" button
- Paste their public key or select the key file
- Verify the key fingerprint if possible (more on this later)
2 Write Your Message
In Kleopatra, click "Sign/Encrypt Notepad" or use your text editor to write your message.
3 Encrypt the Message
Steps in Kleopatra's Notepad:
- Type or paste your message
- Click "Recipient" and select the person's public key
- Optional: Click "Sign" to also sign with your private key
- Click "Encrypt Notepad"
4 Copy Encrypted Message
The encrypted message will look like this:
-----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE----- hQIMA1234567890ABCDEAQf/XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [... encrypted data ...] XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX =XXXX -----END PGP MESSAGE-----
Copy this entire block (including BEGIN and END lines) and send it to your recipient through any channel - it's safe because only they can decrypt it!
🔓 Decrypting a Message
When someone sends you an encrypted message:
Decrypt in Kleopatra
- Open Kleopatra and click "Decrypt/Verify"
- Paste the entire encrypted message (including BEGIN and END lines)
- Enter your passphrase when prompted
- The decrypted message will appear
✍️ Signing Messages
Signing proves a message came from you and hasn't been tampered with.
Why Sign Messages?
- Proves authenticity - recipient knows it's really from you
- Prevents tampering - any changes break the signature
- Required by many darknet markets for vendor communications
How to Sign
When encrypting, simply check the "Sign" option before clicking "Encrypt." This creates a message that is both encrypted AND signed.
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA512 Your message here -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- [... signature data ...] -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
🎯 Verifying Key Fingerprints
This is crucial for security - it ensures you have the correct public key and not an imposter's.
What is a Fingerprint?
A fingerprint is a unique identifier for a PGP key. It's a 40-character string that looks like this:
1234 5678 90AB CDEF 1234 5678 90AB CDEF 1234 5678
How to View Fingerprint
In Kleopatra:
- Right-click the key → "Details"
- The fingerprint is displayed prominently
- Compare this with the fingerprint shared by the key owner through a trusted channel
⚠️ Man-in-the-Middle Attack Prevention
Always verify fingerprints through a separate, trusted communication channel. For example, if you got a vendor's public key from their market profile, verify the fingerprint matches what they've posted on their website or what other trusted users confirm.
🛡️ Best Practices for PGP Security
1. Protect Your Private Key
- Never share it with anyone
- Use a strong passphrase (20+ characters)
- Store backups on encrypted USB drives
- Keep backups in physically separate locations
- Never store unencrypted on cloud services
2. Use Strong Passphrases
- Minimum 20 characters
- Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
- Unique - don't reuse from other accounts
- Memorable but not guessable
- Consider using a passphrase manager
3. Verify Key Fingerprints
- Always verify before trusting a key
- Use multiple channels to confirm
- Be suspicious of keys that don't match
- Check vendor keys against market profiles
4. Regular Key Maintenance
- Set key expiration dates (extend before expiry)
- Generate new keys periodically (annually recommended)
- Revoke old keys properly when migrating
- Keep software updated
5. Operational Security
- Use Tor Browser for all dark web communications
- Don't use PGP on public/shared computers
- Clear clipboard after copying encrypted text
- Be cautious about who you give your public key to
- Never discuss sensitive info in unencrypted messages
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Errors That Compromise Security:
- Sharing private keys: NEVER do this - anyone asking is a scammer
- Weak passphrases: "password123" defeats the entire purpose
- Not verifying fingerprints: You might be encrypting for an imposter
- Storing keys on cloud services: Defeats the purpose of encryption
- No backups: Lose your key, lose access to all encrypted data forever
- Using PGP without Tor: Your IP can still be tracked
- Mixing personal/dark web identities: Use separate keys for different contexts
📱 PGP on Mobile Devices
While possible, PGP on mobile is less secure than desktop due to increased vulnerability to malware, screen recording, and other mobile-specific threats. However, if you must use mobile for PGP encryption, here are comprehensive guides for both platforms.
⚠️ Mobile Security Considerations
Important: Mobile devices are inherently less secure than dedicated computers. For high-security communications involving sensitive information, always use a desktop computer with up-to-date security software. Mobile PGP should only be used for convenience in lower-risk situations.
- Phones are more vulnerable to malware and spyware
- Screen recording apps can capture your passphrases
- Mobile keyboards may have keyloggers
- Cloud backups may compromise your private keys
- Operating system backdoors are more common on mobile
🤖 Android: Complete Setup Guide
Android offers the most robust PGP solution for mobile devices through open-source applications.
Required Apps for Android
- OpenKeychain: Free, open-source PGP implementation
- K-9 Mail: Email client with OpenKeychain integration
- Optional: Conversations (XMPP): For encrypted instant messaging
1 Install OpenKeychain
Download from Google Play Store or F-Droid (recommended for privacy):
- Open Play Store or F-Droid
- Search for "OpenKeychain"
- Install from developer "Sufficiently Secure"
- Grant necessary permissions when prompted
2 Create Your Key Pair on Android
- Open OpenKeychain app
- Tap the "+" button (bottom right)
- Select "Create my key"
- Enter your name/pseudonym and email
- Tap "Create key"
- Set a strong passphrase (20+ characters)
- Confirm passphrase
- Wait for key generation to complete
Android-Specific Tip: Use a password manager app like KeePassDX to generate and store your passphrase securely.
3 Backup Your Key
Critical step - do this immediately:
- In OpenKeychain, tap your key
- Tap the three dots (menu) → "Advanced" → "Export keys"
- Choose "Export to file"
- Save to a secure location (NOT Google Drive)
- Transfer to encrypted USB or offline storage
Never backup to cloud: Do not use Google Drive, Dropbox, or any cloud service for your private key backup. These can be compromised or accessed by authorities.
4 Share Your Public Key (Android)
- Tap your key in OpenKeychain
- Tap "Share" button
- Choose how to share:
- Copy to clipboard: For pasting in messages
- Share via app: Send through messaging apps
- QR code: For in-person key exchange
- Upload to keyserver: Make publicly searchable (less private)
5 Encrypt Messages on Android
Method 1: Using OpenKeychain directly
- Open OpenKeychain
- Tap "Encrypt/Decrypt" tab
- Type or paste your message
- Tap "Share" icon
- Select "Encrypt" from menu
- Choose recipient's public key
- Copy encrypted text or share directly
Method 2: Using K-9 Mail for email
- Install K-9 Mail from Play Store/F-Droid
- Set up your email account
- Compose new email
- Tap lock icon to enable encryption
- K-9 will automatically encrypt using OpenKeychain
6 Decrypt Messages on Android
- Copy the encrypted PGP message (including BEGIN/END lines)
- Open OpenKeychain app
- Tap "Encrypt/Decrypt" tab
- Paste the encrypted message
- Tap "Decrypt"
- Enter your passphrase
- View decrypted message
Android Security Tips
- Use F-Droid: More secure than Google Play for open-source apps
- Disable cloud backup: Go to Settings → System → Backup → Turn OFF
- Use secure keyboard: Install AnySoftKeyboard (no telemetry)
- Encrypt device: Settings → Security → Encrypt phone
- Use app lock: Protect OpenKeychain with additional PIN
- Avoid rooted devices: Root access increases vulnerability
🍎 iPhone/iOS: Complete Setup Guide
iOS has more limited PGP options due to Apple's restrictions, but several workable solutions exist.
Best iOS PGP Apps
- PGP Everywhere: $9.99, most comprehensive solution
- iPGMail: $4.99, simpler interface
- Canary Mail: Free with premium features, encrypted email client
1 Install PGP Everywhere (Recommended)
- Open App Store
- Search for "PGP Everywhere"
- Purchase and install ($9.99 one-time fee)
- Open the app after installation
Why PGP Everywhere? It's the most mature and regularly updated PGP app for iOS with good integration with iOS Mail and Messages.
2 Create Your Key Pair on iOS
- Open PGP Everywhere
- Tap "Keys" tab at bottom
- Tap "+" button (top right)
- Select "Create New Key Pair"
- Enter your details:
- Name: Your pseudonym
- Email: Secure email address
- Key Type: RSA 4096 (select from advanced)
- Create a strong passphrase (20+ characters)
- Tap "Generate" and wait
3 Backup Your iOS Key
Critical - do this immediately:
- In PGP Everywhere, tap "Keys" tab
- Long-press on your key
- Select "Export Private Key"
- Enter your passphrase
- Choose "Save to Files"
- Save to "On My iPhone" (NOT iCloud)
- Later, transfer to computer via cable (not AirDrop)
Disable iCloud sync: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Turn OFF for Files app and PGP Everywhere to prevent cloud backup of your keys.
4 Share Your Public Key (iOS)
- Tap your key in PGP Everywhere
- Tap "Share" button
- Select "Public Key"
- Choose sharing method:
- Copy: Copies key to clipboard
- Message/Email: Share through apps
- AirDrop: For nearby trusted contacts only
5 Import Others' Public Keys (iOS)
- Copy their public key (entire block)
- Open PGP Everywhere
- Tap "Keys" tab
- Tap "+" button → "Import from Clipboard"
- Or tap "Import" and paste the key
- Verify fingerprint if possible
6 Encrypt Messages on iPhone
Method 1: Using PGP Everywhere directly
- Open PGP Everywhere
- Tap "Encrypt" tab
- Type your message
- Tap "Select Recipients"
- Choose recipient's public key
- Tap "Encrypt"
- Copy or share encrypted message
Method 2: Using iOS Share Extension
- Type message in Notes or Messages
- Select text → Tap "Share"
- Select "PGP Everywhere"
- Choose "Encrypt"
- Select recipient
- Encrypted text replaces original
7 Decrypt Messages on iPhone
- Copy encrypted PGP message
- Open PGP Everywhere
- Tap "Decrypt" tab
- Paste encrypted message
- Tap "Decrypt"
- Enter your passphrase
- Read decrypted message
Alternative: Quick decrypt from clipboard
- Copy encrypted message
- Open PGP Everywhere
- App may auto-detect encrypted text
- Tap notification to decrypt
iOS Security Tips
- Disable iCloud completely: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Turn off ALL syncing
- Use local backup only: Never backup keys to iCloud or iTunes
- Face ID/Touch ID: Enable biometric lock for PGP app
- Auto-lock: Set short auto-lock time (30 seconds)
- Disable Siri: Prevent voice assistant from accessing encrypted content
- No jailbreak: Jailbroken phones are significantly more vulnerable
- Keyboard security: Disable predictive text and keyboard sync
- Screen recording: Be aware some malware can record screens
📲 Mobile PGP Comparison
Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best platform for your mobile PGP needs:
| Feature | 🤖 Android | 🍎 iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✓ Free (OpenKeychain) | ✗ $4.99-$9.99 (paid apps required) |
| Open Source | ✓ Yes (fully open-source apps available) | ✗ Limited (proprietary apps) |
| App Integration | ✓ Excellent (K-9 Mail, Conversations, etc.) | ~ Good (share extensions, limited) |
| System Control | ✓ High (customizable, root optional) | ✗ Low (sandboxed, restricted) |
| File Management | ✓ Full access to file system | ✗ Restricted file access |
| F-Droid Support | ✓ Yes (verified open-source apps) | ✗ No (App Store only) |
| Cloud Services | ✓ Optional (can disable completely) | ✗ iCloud integrated (harder to avoid) |
| Device Encryption | ~ Good (varies by manufacturer) | ✓ Excellent (strong by default) |
| App Sandboxing | ~ Moderate | ✓ Strong (better isolation) |
| Malware Risk | ✗ Higher (more malware in Play Store) | ✓ Lower (stricter app review) |
| OS Backdoors | ✗ Some manufacturers have backdoors | ✗ Apple could potentially access data |
| Security Updates | ✗ Fragmented (varies by device) | ✓ Regular and timely |
| Key Backup | ✓ Easy local backup to external storage | ~ Possible but more complicated |
| Privacy by Default | ~ Good (requires configuration) | ~ Good (but Apple has access) |
| Jailbreak/Root Needed | ✓ No (works on stock devices) | ✓ No (works on stock devices) |
| Overall Security Rating | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Best For | Power users, customization, free solution | Ease of use, better default security |
Legend:
- ✓ = Advantage / Positive feature
- ✗ = Disadvantage / Negative feature
- ~ = Neutral / Depends on configuration
📊 Verdict
Choose Android if you want:
- Free, open-source solution
- More control over your device
- Better app integration
- Easy file management and key backup
Choose iOS if you want:
- Better default security and encryption
- Lower malware risk
- Regular security updates
- Stronger app sandboxing
⚠️ Critical Reminder
Neither platform is truly secure for high-risk communications. For sensitive operations involving legal risk, financial transactions, or personal safety, always use a dedicated desktop computer with Tails OS or similar secure operating system. Mobile devices should only be used for low-risk, convenience-based PGP operations.
🔐 Mobile-Specific Security Recommendations
⚠️ When NOT to Use Mobile PGP
- Dark web transactions: Use desktop only
- Whistleblowing: Use secure desktop with Tails OS
- Legal/financial matters: Desktop with full security suite
- Life-or-death situations: Never trust mobile for critical security
- Anything involving large sums of money
Acceptable Mobile PGP Use Cases
- Casual encrypted communication with friends
- Practicing PGP skills
- Non-critical encrypted notes
- Verifying signed messages on the go
- Emergency decryption of low-sensitivity messages
Golden Rule for Mobile PGP:
If the information could result in legal consequences, financial loss, physical danger, or serious privacy breach, DO NOT use mobile PGP. Always use a secure desktop environment with Tor Browser and proper operational security.
🔄 Syncing Keys Between Devices
Safe Method to Transfer Keys from Desktop to Mobile
- Export from desktop: Export your private key to a file
- Transfer via cable: Use USB cable, NOT email/cloud/AirDrop
- Import on mobile: Import through PGP app
- Verify: Test encryption/decryption
- Delete transfer files: Remove key file from both devices
- Secure delete: Use secure delete app if available
⚠️ NEVER Do This When Syncing Keys:
- Email keys to yourself
- Upload to Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox
- Send via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)
- Use AirDrop for private keys
- Store in cloud-synced notes apps
- Use QR codes for private keys in public
🎓 Quick Reference Guide
ENCRYPT A MESSAGE: 1. Get recipient's public key 2. Import their key into Kleopatra 3. Write message in Notepad 4. Select recipient 5. Click "Encrypt" 6. Copy and send encrypted text DECRYPT A MESSAGE: 1. Copy encrypted message (including -----BEGIN/END-----) 2. Open Kleopatra → Decrypt/Verify 3. Paste message 4. Enter passphrase 5. Read decrypted message SHARE YOUR PUBLIC KEY: 1. Right-click your key → Export 2. Open exported file 3. Copy entire key block 4. Share with others VERIFY FINGERPRINT: 1. Right-click key → Details 2. Compare fingerprint with trusted source 3. Verify through multiple channels if possible
🔍 Testing Your Setup
Practice makes perfect! Here's how to test your PGP setup:
- Test encryption to yourself: Import your own public key and send yourself an encrypted message
- Practice with a friend: Exchange public keys with a trusted friend and practice encrypting/decrypting
- Use PGP practice sites: Some websites offer PGP challenges to test your skills
- Verify your understanding: Can you explain public vs private keys to someone else?
🎯 Real-World Usage on Dark Web
Darknet Market Communications
Most markets require PGP for:
- Vendor contact information
- Shipping addresses
- Dispute resolution
- Two-factor authentication
Secure Email Services
Use PGP with:
- ProtonMail (built-in PGP support)
- Tutanota (automatic encryption)
- Any email via Mailvelope extension
Forum Communications
Many dark web forums support PGP for:
- Private messages
- Identity verification
- Signed announcements
📚 Additional Resources
Continue Learning:
- GnuPG Documentation: gnupg.org/documentation
- Email Self-Defense Guide: emailselfdefense.fsf.org
- PGP Best Practices: riseup.net/en/security/message-security/openpgp/best-practices
- Practice Your Skills: Use test messages with friends
🏁 Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have the knowledge to use PGP encryption for secure communications. Remember that PGP is only one part of maintaining security on the dark web - always use it in combination with Tor Browser, strong passwords, and good operational security practices.
Next Steps:
- Install GPG software on your system
- Generate your first key pair with a strong passphrase
- Export and securely backup your private key
- Practice encrypting/decrypting messages to yourself
- Exchange public keys with a friend and practice
- Only then use PGP for real sensitive communications
Stay Secure
PGP is your first line of defense for private communications. Master it, use it consistently, and never compromise on security. Your privacy depends on it.