Using GPG with FireGPG

Using FireGPG with Google's Gmail

FireGPG is a Firefox extension licensed under the GPL that provides an interface to GnuPG that allows you to encrypt, decrypt, sign, or verify the signature of text in any web page using GnuPG. The plug-in was designed to fully support Google's webmail system, Gmail , and allow you to sign and encrypt messages. Using this plug-in and GnuPG installed on the computer, you can sign and encrypt e-mail messages using the Gmail web interface.

Downloading and Installing FireGPG

The FireGPG extension is available for download at http://firegpg.tuxfamily.org. Click on the Install link and follow the instructions on the website to download the .xpi file. Firefox will install the plug-in automatically but a restart of Firefox will be required in order for the plug-in to take effect.

Setting Up FireGPG with Gmail

After the extension has been installed it must be configured. All preferences are located under the Tools menu on Firefox. Selecting FireGPG and then Options will bring up the preferences for FireGPG.

File:DocsProject UsingGpg WithFireGPG FireGPG Preferences.JPG

Select the private key you wish to use when signing and encrypting your e-mail. You must have a generated key pair GnuPG before using FireGPG. Once you have generated your key pair it will appear in this screen.

Selecting the Gmail button at the top of the preferences screen allows you to select options for using Google's Gmail webmail.

File:DocsProject UsingGpg WithFireGPG FireGPG Preferences Gmail.JPG

This screen will allow you to select the buttons you want to see in Gmail. Select Gmail support at the top of this screen and any button you wish to see in Gmail mail compose screen.

Using FireGPG with Gmail

Log into Gmail and compose an e-mail, the buttons for signing and encrypting appear above the To field.

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