To send a secure email, the key step is to use email encryption, which transforms your message so only the intended recipient can read it. There are several common ways to do this depending on the email service:
- Obtain an email encryption certificate (S/MIME) or use built-in encryption tools.
- For Gmail, users with G Suite Enterprise can enable S/MIME for full encryption; standard Gmail encrypts emails in transit but stores them decrypted in the inbox.
- Outlook users can enable S/MIME by obtaining a digital certificate and activate encryption per email or for all outgoing emails.
- Yahoo requires third-party encryption apps like Trustifi to secure emails.
- Other services like Apple Mail on Mac require both sender and recipient to have personal certificates installed.
In general, sending a secure email involves composing the email, enabling encryption by clicking the lock or "Encrypt" button (varies by platform), optionally setting expiration or access passcodes, and then sending. Recipients must have compatible encryption set up to read the encrypted content. Additional best practices include scanning attachments, avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords, and employing VPNs especially on public Wi-Fi to enhance security.
