GPG File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .gpg, .asc
MIME Type application/pgp-encrypted
Primary Use Encryption, Digital Signatures, and Key Management
Encryption Support Public-Key Cryptography
Signature Support Yes (for document authenticity)
Compression Support Yes (ZIP, ZLIB, BZIP2)
Key Types Supported RSA, ElGamal, DSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)
Maximum Key Size 4096 bits for RSA (recommended)
Key Ring Files pubring.kbx or pubring.gpg for public keys, secring.gpg for private keys
Open Source Yes, GNU General Public License
Revocation Support Yes (for keys and signatures)
Identity Verification Web of Trust model
Multi-user Support Yes (multiple keys can be managed)
Platform Independent Yes
Command Line Interface (CLI) Yes, through GnuPG software
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Options available through third-party tools (e.g., Kleopatra, GPGTools)
Automated Processing Supported via scripts and batch operations
Interoperability High (with OpenPGP standard)
File Integrity Verification Yes (cryptographic hash functions)
Data Recovery Features Limited (depends on the backup of key pairs and revocation certificates)
Typical File Location ~/.gnupg/ on Unix-like systems