File extension .PPK
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| PuTTY Win32 Telnet/SSH Client Private Key Format | PuTTY | Misc Files |
A PPK ( .PPK) file is an encrypted private key file used with PuTTY, an SSH and telnet client for Windows and Unix platforms. Itprovides a convenient method for secure authentication using public-key cryptography. As its name indicates, the file is encrypted and is not human-readable. PPK files contain a private key as well as information about supported encryption algorithms or cipher suites.
Encrypted Format and Structure
The PPK file encryption is based on the OpenSSH Secure Shell protocol (RFC 4716). It is composed of multiple sections, each of which contains information about various aspects of the encryption process. The first section contains public-key information, such as the encryption type and public-key bits, while others contain various option strings or data such as passphrases. These sections may be in various formats depending on the specific encryption type.
Related File Extensions
PPK files are related to other public-key files such as .PKS, .PUB, .KEY, and .PEM. All of these formats are based on open standards and can be used with various encryption programs, including OpenSSL, GnuPG and other SSH clients.
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .PPK) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .PPK extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .PPK file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .PPK extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .PPK extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .PPK file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .PPK file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .PPK file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .PPK file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .PPK file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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