PGP Encryption, Better Known as Pretty Good

PGP Encryption, better known as Pretty Good Privacy is a computer program that provides cryptographic privacy and authentication. Phil Zimmerman, the developer of PGP, introduced his invention in 1991. Since then, major improvements have been made to the computer program and is now available from PGP Corporation and other companies.

The original intent of PGP was to encrypt email and attachments. PGP encryption applications have expanded to a variety of components including laptop full disk encryption, digital signatures, protection for instant messaging sessions, file and folder security, files and folders stored on network servers, email and attachments and batch file transfer encryption.

The origin of PGP

PGP was first brought to the public in 1991. From 1991 to 2012, quite a few versions of PGP as well as several organizations or companies have maintained control of PGP. PGP was free on its first release to the public but once PGP moved to the internet, it rapidly picked up steam as a popular method of encryption.

Sadly enough, PGP almost cost Phil Zimmermann his freedom. According to Wikipedia, "Shortly after its release, PGP encryption found its way outside the U.S., and in February 1993 Zimmermann became the formal target of a criminal investigation by the U.S. Government for "munitions export without a license." Cryptosystems using keys larger than 40 bits were then considered munitions within the definition of the U.S. export regulations; PGP has never used keys smaller than 128 bits so it qualified at that time. Penalties for violation, if found guilty, were substantial. The investigation of Zimmermann was eventually closed without filing criminal charges against him or anyone else." In my opinion, this is a definite indicator of PGP's worth and supports individuals and companies using PGP for encryption.

Is PGP really good?

According to 'Why Use Pretty Good Privacy?' PGP is hard encryption. Hard encryption (hard crypto in the trade) is that which is difficult if not impossible to crack. Furthermore, when referring to PGP's security quality Wikipedia says, "To the best of publicly available information, there is no known method for any entity to break PGP encryption by cryptographic, computational means regardless of the version being employed."

Unfortunately, when it comes to computers and security, criminals are constantly at work developing ways to use data illegally for personal gain. But, my research did not uncover any specific instances of publicly known PGP insecurities, if they even exist. PGP is based on a strong encryption algorithm which serves as the base of PGP's strength. As a result PGP is essential for both companies and individuals.