From 4fdef6f71dfddbefe4de386597dd58de962f1a8f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: saturneric Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2025 16:14:21 +0200 Subject: feat(docs): add guide for symmetric encryption and decryption - Introduced a comprehensive guide on symmetric encryption, detailing its definition, functionality, and usage. - Included steps for encrypting and decrypting data using GpgFrontend. - Provided security tips and scenarios for appropriate use of symmetric encryption. --- .../docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.md | 92 ---------------------- .../docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.mdx | 92 ++++++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 92 insertions(+), 92 deletions(-) delete mode 100644 src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.md create mode 100644 src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.mdx diff --git a/src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.md b/src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.md deleted file mode 100644 index 30512fa..0000000 --- a/src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,92 +0,0 @@ ---- -title: Symmetric Encryption & Decryption -sidebar: - label: Symmetric Crypto ---- - -## ๐Ÿ” What Is Symmetric Encryption? - -**Symmetric encryption** is a method of securing data where the **same -password** is used to both encrypt and decrypt information. - -Unlike **asymmetric encryption**, which uses a public/private key pair, -symmetric encryption relies on a single shared secret (the password). This -approach is: - -- โœ… Fast and efficient -- โœ… Ideal for large files or quick one-time sharing -- โ— Best used when both parties can safely share the password - -> ๐Ÿ“Œ If someone intercepts the password, the encrypted data is no longer secure -> โ€” so always handle password exchange carefully. - -## ๐Ÿ”„ How It Works - -1. You choose a **strong password**. -2. That password is used to **encrypt** the data. -3. Anyone with the **same password** can **decrypt** it. -4. No key pair is required โ€” only the shared password. - -> ๐Ÿ“Ž Encryption security depends entirely on the strength and secrecy of the -> password used. - -## โœ๏ธ Encrypting Data Symmetrically - -To encrypt text using symmetric encryption in GpgFrontend (v2.1.9 and later): - -Enable Symmetric Encryption Feature - -1. Go to the Settings. -2. Under the Appearance tab, check the `Sym. Encrypt` checkbox to enable symmetric encryption functionality. - -Access the Symmetric Encryption Button - -1. After enabling, youโ€™ll see a dedicated `Sym. Encrypt` button on the main interface. - -Enter the Text or Select a File - -- Input the plaintext you wish to protect in the text editor. -- Select a file to encrypt using the file panel. - -Symmetric Encryption - -1. Without selecting any public key, click the `Sym. Encrypt` button. -2. When prompted, enter a strong, unique password. -3. This password becomes your encryption key. -4. The text or file will be encrypted into ciphertext. -5. You can save or share the encrypted result. - -> ๐Ÿ” The recipient will need the **exact same password** to decrypt the message. - -## ๐Ÿ”“ Decrypting Symmetric Encrypted Data - -To decrypt content that was encrypted symmetrically: - -1. Paste the Ciphertext: The message should begin with `-----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----` and end with `-----END PGP MESSAGE-----`. -2. Initiate Decryption: Choose to decrypt the message. -3. Enter the Password: Input the **same password** that was used for - encryption. -4. View the Plaintext: If the password is correct, the original message will be revealed. - -> ๐Ÿง  If the password is incorrect or mistyped, decryption will fail. - -## ๐Ÿ’ก When to Use Symmetric Encryption? - -Symmetric encryption is a great choice when: - -- Youโ€™re encrypting something **for yourself** (e.g. storing private notes or - backup files). -- Youโ€™re sharing data over a **secure channel**, and can **safely provide the - password**. -- You donโ€™t want to manage public/private key infrastructure. - -However, it is **not ideal** for public communication where secure password -exchange is difficult. - -## ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tips for Better Security - -- Always use a **strong, complex password** (longer is better). -- Never send passwords through insecure channels (e.g., unencrypted email). -- Consider using symmetric encryption as a supplement to public-key encryption โ€” - e.g., encrypt a file symmetrically, then encrypt the password with the - recipientโ€™s public key. diff --git a/src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.mdx b/src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.mdx new file mode 100644 index 0000000..30512fa --- /dev/null +++ b/src/content/docs/guides/symmetric-encrypt-decrypt.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,92 @@ +--- +title: Symmetric Encryption & Decryption +sidebar: + label: Symmetric Crypto +--- + +## ๐Ÿ” What Is Symmetric Encryption? + +**Symmetric encryption** is a method of securing data where the **same +password** is used to both encrypt and decrypt information. + +Unlike **asymmetric encryption**, which uses a public/private key pair, +symmetric encryption relies on a single shared secret (the password). This +approach is: + +- โœ… Fast and efficient +- โœ… Ideal for large files or quick one-time sharing +- โ— Best used when both parties can safely share the password + +> ๐Ÿ“Œ If someone intercepts the password, the encrypted data is no longer secure +> โ€” so always handle password exchange carefully. + +## ๐Ÿ”„ How It Works + +1. You choose a **strong password**. +2. That password is used to **encrypt** the data. +3. Anyone with the **same password** can **decrypt** it. +4. No key pair is required โ€” only the shared password. + +> ๐Ÿ“Ž Encryption security depends entirely on the strength and secrecy of the +> password used. + +## โœ๏ธ Encrypting Data Symmetrically + +To encrypt text using symmetric encryption in GpgFrontend (v2.1.9 and later): + +Enable Symmetric Encryption Feature + +1. Go to the Settings. +2. Under the Appearance tab, check the `Sym. Encrypt` checkbox to enable symmetric encryption functionality. + +Access the Symmetric Encryption Button + +1. After enabling, youโ€™ll see a dedicated `Sym. Encrypt` button on the main interface. + +Enter the Text or Select a File + +- Input the plaintext you wish to protect in the text editor. +- Select a file to encrypt using the file panel. + +Symmetric Encryption + +1. Without selecting any public key, click the `Sym. Encrypt` button. +2. When prompted, enter a strong, unique password. +3. This password becomes your encryption key. +4. The text or file will be encrypted into ciphertext. +5. You can save or share the encrypted result. + +> ๐Ÿ” The recipient will need the **exact same password** to decrypt the message. + +## ๐Ÿ”“ Decrypting Symmetric Encrypted Data + +To decrypt content that was encrypted symmetrically: + +1. Paste the Ciphertext: The message should begin with `-----BEGIN PGP MESSAGE-----` and end with `-----END PGP MESSAGE-----`. +2. Initiate Decryption: Choose to decrypt the message. +3. Enter the Password: Input the **same password** that was used for + encryption. +4. View the Plaintext: If the password is correct, the original message will be revealed. + +> ๐Ÿง  If the password is incorrect or mistyped, decryption will fail. + +## ๐Ÿ’ก When to Use Symmetric Encryption? + +Symmetric encryption is a great choice when: + +- Youโ€™re encrypting something **for yourself** (e.g. storing private notes or + backup files). +- Youโ€™re sharing data over a **secure channel**, and can **safely provide the + password**. +- You donโ€™t want to manage public/private key infrastructure. + +However, it is **not ideal** for public communication where secure password +exchange is difficult. + +## ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tips for Better Security + +- Always use a **strong, complex password** (longer is better). +- Never send passwords through insecure channels (e.g., unencrypted email). +- Consider using symmetric encryption as a supplement to public-key encryption โ€” + e.g., encrypt a file symmetrically, then encrypt the password with the + recipientโ€™s public key. -- cgit v1.2.3