A vendor is claiming he can't read my encrypted messages.

All of the other vendors have been able to, and it seems like there shouldn't be a problem.

This vendor probably has a bit of heat on him right now from a recent problem they had, and maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I want to make sure it is just that.

What reasons might be there for only one out of about five different vendors being able to not unencrypt my message?

The vendor sent me an SMS for tor link as an alternative, so its not like they are ignoring me or otherwise being a "bad" vendor, I just want to make sure its nothing more than maybe a software difference.

I am using the stock gpg software that came with the last release of tails before the newest recent release. I don't recall what software they are using, but I'll update with it shortly (if it even matters).

Thanks everyone.


Comments


[2 Points] hdheuud:

Sometimes, for whatever reason, a key won't import properly. They need to delete and re-import the key into their key ring. Or make a fresh doc, delete it from their key ring, and import the key under the new doc.

Sometimes my pgp program doesn't work properly when trying to converse with friends who I have talked to many times.


[2 Points] pgp_help:

You can always go to /r/gpgpractice to try your PGP.


[1 Points] loxsey:

Its happend to me before i just send it onetimesecret or sms4tor


[1 Points] Theeconomist1:

I've never experienced this type of problem but know it can happen. Sometimes some PGP implementations suck. Have you communicated with the vendor via PGP successfully before? Do you keep the vendors key on your key ring permanently? Your PGP implantation should be fine. It could be the vendors. But if you've communicated previously fine then that's odd. I remember reading about a vendor who used an iPad and their PGP implantation was finicky and didn't work well and sometimes wouldn't decrypt.

You seem to indicate you are worried there is a chance they may be compromised. If you've successfully PGPed in past and now he can't decrypt, I'd tread carefully. And actually I'd tread carefully anyway. It's probably nothing but given some of the surrounding circumstances I'd rethink using a non-PGP method of communicating. Or with a new key.