> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tailer.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tailer.ai/data-pipeline-operations/execute-code-processings-with-vm-launcher/encrypt-decrypt-data-with-vm-launcher.md).

# Encrypt/Decrypt data with VM Launcher

## :bulb: What is the VM Launcher data operation for data encryption/decryption?

The VM Launcher data operation allows you to start a Google Compute Engine VM where you can encrypt and decrypt data using Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), and then to stop the VM automatically to save resources. PGP is a popular solution providing cryptographic privacy and authentication for data communication.

## :gear: How **it** works

Every time the VM Launcher data operation is launched:

* A VM with the specified characteristics is started on GCE.
* The files placed in the bucket are either encrypted or decrypted using PGP.
* Once the execution is complete, the VM is stopped automatically.

## Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)

PGP is a protocol used for encrypting, decrypting and signing messages or files using a key pair. Every PGP user has both a public and private key. A public key is the key that other people use to encrypt a message that only you can open. A private key is the key that allows you to decrypt the messages sent to you based on your public key. A public key can be shared, but a private key should never be shared.

![](/files/-MbvS96x5UUx0kv2a4gL)

## \*\*\*\*:clipboard: **How to deploy a** VM Launcher **data operation for data encryption/decryption**

1. Access your **tailer** folder (created during [installation](https://app.gitbook.com/s/-MIIsP_DvP2J-c1szWrQ/getting-started/install-tailer-sdk.md)).
2. Create a working folder as you want.
3. Create a JSON file for your data operation in your working folder. Refer to this page to learn about all the [parameters](https://app.gitbook.com/s/-MIIsP_DvP2J-c1szWrQ/xml-conversion/untitled-1.md).
4. Access your working folder by running the following command:

   ```
   cd "[path to your working folder]"
   ```
5. To deploy the data operation, run the following command:

   ```
   tailer deploy configuration your-configuration.json
   ```
6. Log in to [Tailer Studio](http://studio.tailer.ai) to check the status and details of your data operation.
7. Execute your VM Launcher data operation.