Although email is a convenient communication tool, it also comes with inherent security risks. Sensitive information transmitted through unencrypted emails is vulnerable to interception and exploitation. Thankfully, encryption can be used to protect your email communications.
In this article, we will explore email encryption and provide a step-by-step guide to help you implement this amazing security measure.
Understanding Encryption
Before trying to encrypt an email, you should understand what encryption is. Encryption is the process of converting plaintext data into ciphertext. The encrypted data can only be decrypted and understood by authorized recipients possessing the decryption keys. In simple terms, encryption is the process of scrambling messages, so only the intended recipient can read them.
There are two types of encryption used in email communications:
- Public Key Encryption: This method uses two keys—one is public, and you share it with others, while the other is private and known only to you. This system ensures that only the intended recipient can decipher the message, providing a higher level of security.
- Private Key Encryption: With this method, you and the recipient share the same secret key to encrypt and decrypt messages. Because the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, this method is faster than public key encryption. However, the challenge lies in securely exchanging the key without interception.
Encryption Protocol
To get started with email encryption, you need to use the right tools, which are known as encryption protocol. Thankfully, popular email service providers already have these tools in place with their user-friendly interface. These are some of the popular options:
- PGP (Pretty Good Privacy): PGP is a time-tested encryption protocol that provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access the email.
- GPG (GNU Privacy Guard): GPG is the free, open-source alternative to PGP. It allows you to encrypt and sign your emails using similar encryption methods, and it is compatible with PGP.
- S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions): S/MIME is another widely-used encryption protocol that integrates with many email clients, enabling seamless encryption and digital signature functionality.
The providers that support S/MIME are:
- Gmail
- Outlook
- iOS devices
The providers that support PGP/MME are:
- Yahoo
- AOL
- Android devices
How to Encrypt Emails in Gmail
- Follow Google’s instructions to enable hosted S/MIME. Changes can take up to 24 hours.
- Compose your email.
- Click on the lock icon to the right.
- Click “View details” and change the level of encryption.
- Click “Save.”
- Send the email.
How to Encrypt Emails in Outlook
- Compose your email.
- Click “Options” on the top menu bar.
- Click “Encrypt” under the lock icon.
- Choose “Encrypt-Only” to encrypt the email or choose “Do not forward” to ensure that the recipient cannot forward the email to anyone.
- Send the email.
How to Encrypt Emails in Apple Mail (iOS)
- Open the settings app.
- Tap “Mail.”
- Tap “Accounts.”
- Choose the account you want to send encrypted messages from.
- Tap “Account.”
- Tap “Advanced.”
- Select “Encrypt by default.”
