Create a Public and Private Key

You can request that PGP keys be generated for your office using the PGP Key Request form. Please note that our system requires that keys be generated in the RSA-Legacy 1024-bit format; this format is not supported by PGP Desktop 9.

Users with PGP 7.0.3 can also generate PGP keys by following the instructions below.

Key Generation for PGP 7.0.3 Users

After you have completed the installation of the PGP software and rebooted your computer, a setup wizard will start automatically if you are using a Windows OS. If you are using a Mac OS, open the PGPkeys tool in the PGP program group and select New key files. Mac's Key Setup Assistant window is the equivalent of the Key Generation Wizard in Windows. Whether you are using Mac or Windows, fill out the information as shown below.

This wizard will help you create your key pair. A key pair is a set of two numbers that the PGP uses to encrypt and decrypt information. Others can use your public key in e-mails or in forms to send encrypted information to you, but only its matching private key can decrypt that information.

1. Choose Expert on the initial setup wizard screen and enter the following information:



You must use a departmental or administrative e-mail address, such as your-department@bu.edu, rather than an individual's e-mail address, such as joe@bu.edu.

2. After clicking Next, the wizard will ask if you have existing keys or if you would like to create new ones. If this is the first time you are installing PGP you should indicate that you need to create new keys.

   Note: If you are installing PGP on more than one computer and you want each computer to use the same private key, you will need to install PGP on the first computer, create a key pair, export your keys (explained in Back up and upload your keys), copy them to the next computer, and answer yes when you are asked if you have existing keys.

3. To create a new pair of keys, you will be asked to supply a passphrase. This passphrase must be at least 8 characters and must contain both letters and numbers. Do not lose this passphrase! The procedure for backing up this passphrase is included in Back up and upload your keys.

4. Finally, the wizard might ask you to enter some random information. Simply move the mouse back and forth or press some keys on the keyboard.