102-350 · Question #112
When attempting to send a file to another user securely with GPG, which of the following actions must be done?
The correct answer is B. Encrypt the file using their public key. See the full explanation below for the reasoning.
Question
Options
- AEncrypt the file using your public key.
- BEncrypt the file using their public key.
- CEncrypt the file using your private key.
- DEncrypt the file using their private key.
- ESign the file with your public key.
How the community answered
(29 responses)- A3% (1)
- B83% (24)
- C3% (1)
- E10% (3)
Community Discussion
8
Lena V.Feb 13, 2026B is the one. You encrypt with the recipient's public key so that only their private key can decrypt it, which means only they can open the file.
Grace U.Feb 15, 2026That is exactly right, and it is worth adding that you also typically sign the file with your own private key so the recipient can verify it actually came from you.
Prof. SaraJan 22, 2026The correct answer is B, and the logic locks in fast once you remember the mnemonic "encrypt TO them, sign FROM you." In asymmetric encryption, a public key is freely shared precisely so that anyone who wants to send you something private can lock it up, and only your private key can unlock it, so when you are the sender, you reach for the recipient's public key, not your own. Options A and C are classic trap answers because students confuse encryption with signing, and option C is the signing side of the equation, not the encryption side. I sat the 102-350 in March 2023 and this exact scenario came up worded almost identically, and I caught myself second-guessing for about ten seconds before I drew the little lock-and-key diagram in my scratch notes, which immediately killed the doubt and I clicked B with full confidence.
Toby R.Feb 10, 2026B is right, though you also sign with your private key in real life.
Wesley A.Feb 10, 2026Yep, and that distinction trips a lot of people up on the exam because the question will frame it as "encrypt with private key" when what's really happening under the hood is a signing operation using asymmetric math, so watch for that wording.
Grace U.Jan 21, 2026B is right, though "their public key" is the only key you'd ever have, so there's really no other move here.
Wesley A.Feb 7, 2026Missed this my first attempt because I panicked and picked A, their key is what unlocks it for them, not yours.
Grace U.Feb 7, 2026The way I think about it is simpler: in asymmetric encryption, you always encrypt TO someone using what they made public, so if you are sending to them, their public key goes in, and their private key is the only thing that opens it back up.