Decentralized Security with PGP and Web of Trust

In an era of centralized data breaches, protecting your digital identity and communications requires a shift toward decentralized security. Understanding how to encrypt messages and verify identities without relying on a single authority is a fundamental skill for modern digital privacy. This text-only course guides you from security novice to confidently managing cryptographic keys and establishing decentralized trust. You will learn the mechanics of public-key cryptography, how to generate and manage your own keys, and how to verify others using the Web of Trust model. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of asymmetric cryptography, public-private key pairs, and digital signatures. - Configure and manage OpenPGP keys securely using modern best practices and key-revocation strategies. - Apply the Web of Trust model to validate identities and establish secure communication channels without centralized authorities. - Implement secure email encryption and sign digital assets, including modern Git commits. - Explore modern key distribution methods, including Web Key Directory (WKD) and key servers. The course begins with foundational concepts of cryptography and trust models before moving into practical configuration, key management, and practical signing workflows through written explanations and scenario-based exercises. This course is designed for beginners in cybersecurity, software development, or digital privacy, with no prior cryptography experience required. Start your journey into decentralized security and take control of your digital privacy today.