Silk Road forums
Discussion => Security => Topic started by: fullboat on December 16, 2011, 06:19 pm
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I just made my first transaction and I have been asked for a public key which quite frankly I know nothing about.
Could someone please explain if it is essential and why?
Thanks and please forgive my ignorance, i'll learn.
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Public keys are a means to ensure secure messaging to another member. Look up "PGP" on here and on google to find out more about it. Post back here with any questions!
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I just made my first transaction and I have been asked for a public key which quite frankly I know nothing about. Could someone please explain if it is essential and why?...
If the vendor you've selected requires encrypted messages, then yes. If you value the privacy of your communications -- as this seller apparently does -- then yes.
Why? Without encryption, if Silk Road was to be (or already is!) compromised then messages between you and the vendor (including your address information) could be easily readable. Encryption eliminates the possibility of anyone in control of Silk Road's servers -- now or in the future -- knowing what was said unless you or the seller choose to disclose it.
It's not required, but I'd say it's considered a Really Good Idea™ by most people here. Each individual is free to use their own judgement, of course.
(Check out the Silk Road wiki [ dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page ] and GPG Step-by-Step thread [ dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=131.0 ] for more information, if interested.)
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Download "GNU Privacy Assistant" and you can learn to encrypt sensitive information like your address and private messages.