Why I Digitally Sign Email

Email is far more vulnerable and less secure than many people think. By default, email is relatively insecure and the increase in forged message headers, false message content, and other fabrication stunts concern me. Digitally signing messages provide a simple and effective solution.

With digitally signed messages with PGP, any recipient can verify the authenticity and integrity of a message. The recipient can confirm the key holder who signed the message is, in fact, who they are believed to be. And the recipient can verify that the message has not been altered in transit.

I have put together a brief summary of PGP and a HOWTO that walks a user though the process of downloading, installing and verifying a message.