Endpoint Encryption

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  • 1.  PGP Desktop: Incorrect Passphrase

    Posted Nov 06, 2014 05:21 PM

    We have used PGP Desktop to encrypt and decrypt files to and from various clients for years.  Recently, the usual crop of files came in but I was unable to decrypt them.  Per PGP Desktop, my passphrase was incorrect.  I found this surprising because it was a system automation product that was entering the passphrase and that automated job had not been changed in years.  Since this is an old XP system and we are in the process of phasing it out, rather than struggle with the old version I downloaded a trial version of Symantec Encryption Desktop and installed it on the new Windows 7 desktop.  When it prompted me to update the PGP [public server and required my passphrase it accepted the passphrase when I typed it in.  However, when I then attempted to open an encrypted .zip file it gave me the error again.  I’m sure that the passphrase has not been forgotten as it is not only keyed in plain text in our console automation product, it is also kept on paper locked in a safe and all these sources have been checked.  When I went into the “Forgot Passphrase” function it prompted me for my passphrase and once I entered it it seemed to accept it and prompted me for a new one.  At this time I canceled out of the function as I wanted to raise this question on the forum first.



  • 2.  RE: PGP Desktop: Incorrect Passphrase

    Broadcom Employee
    Posted Nov 24, 2014 06:19 AM

    Hi HD_Matt,

    Which are the client versions involved in these steps?
    How is that automation working? Are you using PGP Command Line?
    Have you confirmed the hash of the files before and after moving them?

    Could you please provide more details?

    Thanks and regards,



  • 3.  RE: PGP Desktop: Incorrect Passphrase

    Posted Nov 24, 2014 12:01 PM

    Thank you for your response.  The old XP system is running PGP Desktop 10.1.0.  The Windows 7 system is running Symantec Encryption Desktop 10.3.2.  I think this must be some problem on the sending side.  Everything seems to work fine except for files from one specific sender.  When the files come in they say they were encrypted using my public key but, when I try to decrypt them it returns 'incorrect passphrase".  Files from other senders using my public key seem to decrypt correctly.  It is interesting to note that, if I enter an incorrect password it returns "Re-enter the passphrase of your private key".  If I enter the correct passphrase it reurns "Incorrect passphrase. Please re-enter".  So it does seem to be taking a different path based on the passphrase specified.  As for the hash issue, I get the same rersults from both systems so it is not a problem caused by the move.