We study in detail the problem of encryption of quantum information. We present an attack on a private quantum channel (PQC) which applies when partial classical description of a ciphertext is known (the so-called known-ciphertext attack) and we show how this situation can be avoided. The quantum analogue of the known plaintext attack is also discussed. We determine how correlations between quantum systems can be encrypted and we conclude that two PQCs on the subsystems form a PQC on the whole composite system. Finally, some applications of the PQC are suggested and a security of a noisy channel is discussed.