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Thread ID: 39311 2003-11-02 08:41:00 GPG keys - maximum encryption agent (30) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
188697 2003-11-02 08:41:00 I think the maximum reccommended strength is 2048 bits, or otherwise it becomes time consuming to encrypt things.

However, is there a limit to the strength of a key? As for my next key I am intending on using 4096 instead of 1536, but I don't do much encryption of files, only emails, so would it matter if I went to, say, 16384 bits?
agent (30)
188698 2003-11-02 09:04:00 Whats the maximum the program will let you encrypt to? If its to such a high level (16384bits) are they trusted encryption algorithms that have been tested?

They probably recommend 2048 as the government can break that with a few hours on a supercomputer. If its any more and just a text file it doesn't take long to encrypt or decrypt it. Might take a long time if you were encrypting 700mb. Just get a nice fast cpu.

I know PGP only goes up to 4096bit Diffie/Helliman key strength, I use that.
PoWa (203)
188699 2003-11-02 09:20:00 Ahah, yes, it is limited to 4096.

I did some reading on the internet also, and apparently you can stretch it to ~16 thousand bits using some editting of something somewhere.
agent (30)
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