Email encryption is akin to transforming email information or data into a code, inaccessible to unauthorized users. It's like having a key to unlock valuable content; similarly, accessing encrypted data necessitates having the encryption key.
In the following section, Free Download will introduce and guide you on how to send encrypted emails to various email client applications.
Most critical documents such as financial records, contracts, agreements like NDAs, job offers, and other personal materials need encryption and security measures. Encrypting your emails, as well as securing vital data, requires leveraging certain tools.
How to Encrypt Emails with Mailvelope?
Mailvelope stands out as a unique program, compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Its major advantage lies in being a browser extension available on browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla. Additionally, users can utilize Mailvelope on Linux and Chromebook systems.
You can download Mailvelope here:
Mailvelope is highly favored by many users because it enables email encryption without the need for additional installations.
To download and install the Mailvelope extension, open Chrome or Firefox browser on your computer and visit:
Once installation is complete, log in to your Gmail account that you wish to secure, then click on the Mailvelope icon, shaped like a padlock, located at the top-right corner of your browser window to begin.
Click on Add, then select Key Management => Generate key. Fill in all your details and submit. Upon completion, a key will be generated for you.
For higher security settings, click on Advanced, fill in your details, then click on Generate.
Finally, download the key and send it to the user whom you want to grant email access. This ensures that no third party can interfere.
Compose Encrypted Email
Step 1: To compose an email, both the sender and receiver need to exchange keys and use each other's keys. To do this, click on 'Import Keys' in the left-hand panel.
The sender and receiver input each other's keys into the designated field, then click on the Import button.
Step 2: Now, you can access webmail as usual and begin composing your email. During the email composition process, you'll see a small logo in the bottom-right corner as shown below.
Click on that icon, and you'll be directed to the encrypted window. This ensures your emails are stored securely in drafts on the regular email server.
In case you receive an encrypted email from someone, hover over the email and an envelope icon will appear. Enter the password if prompted, and your email will be decrypted.
Encrypt Email with Virtru Secure Email
Traditional encryption methods seem inadequate for the increasing demands of users. Nowadays, most users tend to utilize encryption methods like S/MIME to safeguard their emails. However, this method only works if you're sending emails within a group. And because many of them don't use the S/MIME standard, they won't be able to access encrypted emails.
No need to fret, as there's another solution for encrypting and securing your emails using the Virtru Secure Email extension for Outlook.
Download the Virtru Secure Email plugin to your device and install it here:
After installing Virtru Secure Email, restart Outlook, and the Virtru Welcome window will appear on your screen. Click on 'Authorise Me' and select the email address you want to authorize.
Next, click on 'Activate these emails' and you're done.
As depicted in the illustration above, you can see the Virtru toggle button displayed on the Outlook window.
Ensure that during the email sending process, this toggle button remains in the deactivated state. Encrypting with Virtru is quite straightforward, contrasting starkly with the PGP encryption process.
For recipients who have Virtru installed, they do not need to install Virtru Secure Reader.
Email recipients are authenticated by logging in with their Gmail account or verifying their email. Once verified, recipients can directly read the message. Moreover, recipients can reply using Secure Reader, and any attachments they send will also be encrypted.
Other useful features include the option to set email expiration dates. With this extension, before sending any email, you can set a clear timeframe for when your email will expire.
Additionally, there are other notable features like Disable Forward, ensuring that recipients cannot forward your email to anyone else.
Email Encryption on Outlook
On Outlook, Microsoft has integrated an additional security feature. While composing any email, access File =>Properties. Then, click on Security Settings and check the box for Encrypt message contents and attachments.
After composing your email, simply click on Send to complete the process.
In case you want to encrypt all outgoing emails, click on the File tab, then select Options => Trust Center => Trust Center Settings. All you need to do is toggle the encryption button to ON for all emails. To do this, switch to the Email Security tab under Encrypted Email section and choose the option named “Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages”.
Additionally, you can access Settings and select a specific Certificate.
If the recipient doesn't have the corresponding encryption key, they'll see a notification on their screen:
This message cannot be viewed in the Reading Pane. Please open the message to read its contents.
And if you attempt to open any email, you'll see the following message on your screen:
Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item. This issue may be temporary, but if you encounter it again, consider restarting Outlook. Your Digital ID name cannot be located by the underlying security system.
Above, Mytour has introduced to you What is Email Encryption? How to Encrypt Email? to provide you with additional knowledge about security methods utilized by information agencies and governments worldwide to prevent sensitive information leakage.
Gmail currently boasts the largest user base among email services, but that doesn't guarantee absolute security. If you've chosen Gmail as your primary inbox for work, consider encrypting your emails as outlined above to safeguard your information.
In addition to Gmail, there are many other online mailbox options for you to choose from. Each service has its own unique email registration process, so be sure to explore your options.
