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LFCS · Question #543

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. To securely send a file to another user with GPG, the sender must encrypt the file using the recipient's public key.

Submitted by emma.c· Apr 18, 2026Essential Commands

Question

When attempting to send a file to another user securely with GPG, which of the following actions must be done?

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

(39 responses)
  • B
    92% (36)
  • C
    5% (2)
  • E
    3% (1)

Why each option

To securely send a file to another user with GPG, the sender must encrypt the file using the recipient's public key.

AEncrypt the file using your public key.

Encrypting with your own public key would mean only you could decrypt it with your private key, not the intended recipient.

BEncrypt the file using their public key.Correct

GPG encryption uses asymmetric cryptography where data encrypted with a public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. Therefore, to ensure only the intended recipient can read the file, it must be encrypted using their public key, which they share freely.

CEncrypt the file using your private key.

Encrypting with your private key is used for digital signing to prove authenticity and integrity, not for confidentiality to another user.

DEncrypt the file using their private key.

You do not have access to their private key; if you did, it would defeat the purpose of asymmetric encryption.

ESign the file with your public key.

Signing the file with your public key is incorrect; you sign with your private key, and the recipient verifies with your public key, which addresses authenticity and integrity, not confidentiality for sending a secure file.

Concept tested: GPG asymmetric encryption principles

Source: https://gnupg.org/gph/en/manual/x110.html

Topics

#GPG encryption#Public key cryptography#File security#Confidentiality

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