How to Send an Encrypted Email in Gmail – If you’re always sending sensitive data like passwords, bank details etc. through email, it only makes sense you learn how to encrypt email if you don’t already use it.
It’s hard to meet anybody who’s not using an email service, email has been a great means of communication via the internet and its benefits are there for all to see.
I’m sure you have one or more email services and I believe it is an integral part of your business or personal activities. I also believe you must have heard or even met someone who has experienced data breach on their email.
This online scams could be devastating for those using their email for business transactions and that is why it is very important you learn how to send encrypted email.
It ensures you have the privacy you need and avoid the risks of a data breach. Email encryption service is available in all top email secure server provides like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.
Types of Email Encryption Available
To further help you understand further How to Send an Encrypted Email in Gmail works, we’ll try to explain the various types of encrypted email service to you. Basically, there are two major encryption methods for emails which are; S/MIME and PGP/MIME.
S/MIME comes inbuilt in moat OSX and iOS devices thus when you receive an email via a Macbook or iPhone you might see something like “smime.p7s”. Apple subtly verifies the identity of the receiver. S/MIME is widely used in Apple and Outlook platforms.
PGP/MIME is more flexible, fairly easy to use with web-based email clients and the certificate is free. Remember you buy S/MIME when you purchase an Apple device or Outlook software.
How to Send an Encrypted Email in Gmail
Google made encryption in Gmail a default setting in 2014 for all its users. So as long as you’re using the official Gmail App or using Google Chrome to access your Gmail account, your email is encrypted by default.
However, what if the recipient of the email is not using the Google app or Chrome? Say, for example, you are sending a sensitive mail to a friend or business associate who is using Yahoo Mail.
The default encryption clause will be voided obviously! If not the recipient can’t be able to read the email because the Yahoo Mail service won’t be able to decrypt the message.
Another big issue with the free encryption service that comes with Gmail is that Google through its automated software and not actual humans (Google maintains that this is true and it is yet to be proven wrong) scans your emails to get keywords which it uses to serve you ads that are applicable to your interests.
However, if you desire sanctity of your data then read on, we’ll show you how to achieve this.
How to Encrypt Email in Outlook
If you have the Office365 subscription then your Outlook platform already has an inbuilt email encryption feature. However, it requires a bit of effort to set it up which is normal for most security features.
You’ll first need to exchange the digital signatures of the Outlook encryption with your intended recipient. Without this, either of you can’t decrypt the messages. The Microsoft site has a guide to help users set up the digital signature to send secure emails.
Please note that this feature is not available Outlook.com or in the default mail app in Windows 10. The option is only available to paid subscribers!
How to Send an Encrypted Email in Yahoo
In the past few years, Yahoo has experienced some highly publicized security breaches prompting its many users to have doubts about their services. Yahoo uses SSL (secured sockets layer) for its encryption protocol.
However, the email provider is also working on an end-to-end encryption feature.
Alternative Email Secure Server Options
Tutanota, Ghostmail, and Protonmail offer great alternative email secure server option for users. These platforms offer both free and paid options for users. Of course, there are restrictions with free service like email size and available storage.
The recipient is required to be on the email secure server platform or possess a password to unlock the email. Each of these options provides you with a necessary level of security that is very effective against prying eyes.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are using your email account for business transactions or you desire privacy with your email, you need to learn How to Send an Encrypted Email in Gmail. Confidentiality is guaranteed when you encrypt your email, although this is not necessary for your routine everyday communication.
Many apps promise email encryption but don’t use S/MIME or PGP/MIME instead they roll out their own encryption feature. We don’t recommend them rather we encourage you to look for apps with S/MIME or PGP/MIME.