How To Encrypt Files In Ubuntu

If you have some sensitive files that you would like to keep from prying eyes, a simple way to do that is to encrypt the files.  Ubuntu Hardy has a built in PGP Encryption that will prevent anyone who does not have the proper encryption key and password from accessing your files.

Let's begin by going to Applications –>Accessories –>Passwords and Encryption Keys.  You will be presented with the main screen.

If this is your first time with this, you will need to create a new encryption key of your own.  To do this, click on "New"

To encrypt files you will need to choose the PGP key option and then click on "Continue".

To make this key unique and your own, fill out your name and email address.  Additional options like the key type and key bit can also be modified.  The default settings will provide you with very good encryption so you need not change these values unless you have additional needs for more security.

Now you have the option of entering a password for your key.  I highly recommend you to do this.  The password you enter is very important; your encrypted files will be as strong as your password!

Now that all the information has been entered, sit back and watch the new PGP encryption key being generated.  This will usually take a minute or two to finish.  Once it is complete, you will be able to encrypt any file you choose.

By right-clicking on the file you wish to encrypt, the menu will come up with the option "Encrypt".  Clicking on "Encrypt" will bring up the following menu where you choose which PGP key to use for this encryption.

Choose which key to use for encryption (if you have more than one) and then click "OK". 

There!  Your newly encrypted file will have the same file name as before but with the .pgp extension.  The original file is not deleted by default, so for security purposes you should delete the original and keep the encrypted file.

When you want to access your encrypted files simply double click on the encrypted file and the decrypting menu will pop up and prompt you for the encryption password.  After entering the correct password, the unencrypted original file will appear in your file browser.