[oclug] encrypting files (was passwords)

[David F. Skoll]

On Mon, 12 Aug 2002, Allan McIntosh wrote:

> $ crypt key < plainfile > encryptedfile

The traditional UNIX "crypt" command is very, very weak.

> The question I have is there a way to see what key a system uses when
> encrypting?

Ummm... nope.  Doesn't that defeat the point of encryption?

If you want strong symmetric encryption under Linux, use gpg:

$ gpg --symmetric < cleartext > crypted_text

To decrypt:

$ gpg --decrypt < crypted_text > cleartext

You'll be prompted for a key.

--
David.