> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://yubico.gitbook.io/yubikey5/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://yubico.gitbook.io/yubikey5/gpg/introduction.md).

# Introduction

This section provides a detailed explanation of what GPG keys are and do.

{% hint style="info" %}
The guides in this book require one device of any in the following categories:

* [x] [YubiKey 5 Series](https://www.yubico.com/store/#yubikey-5-series)
* [x] [YubiKey 5 FIPs Series](https://www.yubico.com/store/#yubikey-5-fips-series)
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
For an in-depth guide on what GPG keys are, and how to generate them, read the [**GPG Introductions page**](/yubikey5/gpg/generate-keys/introduction.md).
{% endhint %}

GPG is a technology / interface on your Yubikey, which stands for GNU Privacy Guard.

This interface allows you to create and store keys on your Yubikey which can be used for many things.

* Encrypt / Decrypt files using software like ![](https://4134239767-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwDiMyl2FV0YbzWbcTioq%2Fuploads%2FzGVG7jAyk4meLxmtYILM%2F!ico_link.png?alt=media\&token=e47a2bb4-ace3-4167-83b8-0d42b2fce0c0) [**Gpg4win**](https://www.gpg4win.org/) or ![](https://4134239767-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwDiMyl2FV0YbzWbcTioq%2Fuploads%2FzGVG7jAyk4meLxmtYILM%2F!ico_link.png?alt=media\&token=e47a2bb4-ace3-4167-83b8-0d42b2fce0c0) [**GPGSuite**](https://gpgtools.org/)**.**
* Sign files with your GPG key to verify you are the person who made them.
* Encrypt / Decrypt / Sign emails to other people.
* Sign commits you make with the software Github Desktop or Git.
* Connect to servers you own with SSH.
  * You can also do this with ![](https://4134239767-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwDiMyl2FV0YbzWbcTioq%2Fuploads%2FzGVG7jAyk4meLxmtYILM%2F!ico_link.png?alt=media\&token=e47a2bb4-ace3-4167-83b8-0d42b2fce0c0) [**PIV**](broken://pages/3wtrr2HTRSqMOINIIlhm), but GPG is another method depending on your setup.

Using a module is optional. If none of the above examples interest you, then you can leave PIV alone on your Yubikey.