The authinfo file is used by Gnus to connect to various mail servers. Putting the connection details, userid and passwords in it lets you login into different mail servers and download or access your mail and News without having to type in your userid and password everytime.
But the data is stored in plain text. And if you feel uncomfortable with the file have all the details in plain text, encrypt it using EasyPG.
The emacswiki page on GnusEncryptedAuthInfo provides clear instructions on how to configure your EasyPG setup to encrypt your authinfo file. Do note that you need to have gnupg installed to make it all work. Of course.
And a little idea about what is a pass phrase, public, provate keys would help you in understanding the instructions better rather than following arcane (seemingly) instructions.
But the data is stored in plain text. And if you feel uncomfortable with the file have all the details in plain text, encrypt it using EasyPG.
The emacswiki page on GnusEncryptedAuthInfo provides clear instructions on how to configure your EasyPG setup to encrypt your authinfo file. Do note that you need to have gnupg installed to make it all work. Of course.
And a little idea about what is a pass phrase, public, provate keys would help you in understanding the instructions better rather than following arcane (seemingly) instructions.
