Encrypt Batch Files with PGP

PGP encryption adds a layer of protection to the sensitive PII in your batch file. Encryption is optional for Batch Uploads—files are always protected in transit—but you can encrypt your file first if your organization requires it. This guide shows how to encrypt your prepared CSV or JSON file with the Socure-provided PGP public key before you upload it.

How it works

1. Download your PGP public key
2. Encrypt your file with PGP
3. Upload the encrypted file

Download your PGP public key

Socure provisions your account with a unique PGP key pair. Download the Socure PGP public key from the Batch Uploads screen when you create a batch, then save the key file (for example, socure_key.asc) to your computer. Continue with the encryption steps below.

Encrypt your file with PGP

The encryption process uses the GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG) implementation of the PGP standard. Follow the instructions for your operating system.

macOS or Linux

1. Open a terminal.

2. Import the Socure public key:

   Bash

   gpg --import socure_key.asc

   On success, GnuPG prints a confirmation similar to:

   Text

   gpg: key 6CFE17E37C6960B7: public key "Socure <[email protected]>" imported
   gpg: Total number processed: 1
   gpg:               imported: 1

3. Encrypt your file, replacing the file names with your own:

   Bash

   gpg --output clientname_encrypted.gpg --encrypt --recipient [email protected] data.csv

   Option	Value
   --output	Name of the encrypted file to create (for example, clientname_encrypted.gpg).
   --recipient	The recipient shown on the imported Socure key (for example, [email protected]).
   (final argument)	The path to your prepared batch file (data.csv or your .json file).

Windows

1. Install Gpg4win, a free, open-source encryption suite that includes the Kleopatra certificate manager.
2. Import the Socure public key in Kleopatra:
   1. Go to File > Import Certificates.
   2. Browse to your saved key file, select it, and click Open.
   3. Click OK. The imported key appears under the My Certificates tab.
3. Encrypt your file in Kleopatra:
   1. Click Sign/Encrypt.
   2. Browse to your prepared batch file, select it, and click Open.
   3. In the Sign/Encrypt Files dialog, enter [email protected] in Encrypt for others.
   4. In Output files/folder, set the encrypted file path and name (for example, clientname_encrypted.gpg).
   5. Click Sign/Encrypt, then Finish.

Upload the encrypted file

On the Batch Uploads screen, select your encrypted file and continue with validation and submission as described in Batch Uploads. Socure decrypts your file before processing.

Related topics