The 10 Best Ways To Send Encrypted Email (A Complete Guide)

The digital world has been evolving over the years, and we have been using email since 1971, but hackers have evolved ways of obtaining your personal information. Therefore, sending encrypted emails is usually a bright idea, whether it is for business or personal reasons. Below are the ten best ways to send an encrypted email.

  1. S/MIME 
  2. PGP/MIME 
  3. Microsoft 365  
  4. Extensions 
  5. Encrypt a file, then send the email
  6. Third-party applications
  7. Crypto Anywhere USB encryption 
  8. Platform that sends one time messages 
  9. Email provider with built-in encryption
  10. Instant encrypted messaging service 

As you see, there are so many ways to encrypt your email, and each method is suited for people of all preferences (work or home). Below, we go over the various types of encryption and provide links to help you set some of them up. Then you will have your peace of mind and send whatever you want, and hackers won’t steal your data.

how to send encrypted email

The 10 Different Ways To Send Encrypted Email

As we get into the different types of encryptions and what is an encrypted email. I strongly advise you to read the entire article to understand better what encryption best matches your preferences and needs. 

1. S/MIME Encrypted Email

S/MIME, which stands for Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, lets users send encrypted and digitally-signed emails. This method enables email receivers to be assured that their message is the same one started with the sender. It also ensures that an email sent to an outbound destination comes from a specific sender.

The sender and the receiver must use a mail program that implements the S/MIME standard to utilize S/MIME encryption. S/MIME standard is supported by Outlook and Gmail. 

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In order to activate S/MME through Outlook and Gmail, you have to get a digital id from a certification authority go through the process to set up your encryption. The certification authority charges an annual fee for the digital id. 

This method is suitable for people who want an incorporated setup for Outlook or Gmail. They are also willing to spend the money to get set up.

2. PGP/MIME Encrypted Email

PGP/MIME, which stands for Pretty Good Privacy/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. This way of encryption allows the user to send emails and attachments through third-party encryption software. 

This enables users to be more flexible and control how they want their email to be encrypted. In order for its recipient to decrypt the email, he has to download all the sender attachments and body because they are encrypted together. 

As well it has to be opened through third-party software. This allows no data leaks due to the information being encrypted in one format. Few companies offer this encryption tool like OpenPGP, GPG 4win, and eM Client.

3. Use Microsoft 365 Microsoft Encryption

Microsoft 365 makes it easier to encrypt your emails than just using Outlook. This is because your data (also known as plaintext) is encoded into ciphertext during the encryption process. However, unlike plaintext, the ciphertext cannot be read by anyone until it has been decrypted. 

Decryption necessitates the usage of an encryption key that is only available to authorized users. Encryption ensures that official receivers can only decrypt your material. If you want to set up your Microsoft 365 Encryption, click here.

4. Use Extensions To Send Encrypted Emails

There are a few browser extensions that allow you to send encrypted emails. The emails also have a time limit before they expire at random. For example, Sendsafely is a google chrome extension. The program encrypts the file or email with a secret code before sending it to your recipient. 

The receiver can only read the email by entering the password to access it. However, it is straightforward encryption to use. The extension does have a subscription plan if you want to use more than what a free version offers. 

This is perfect for people who don’t want to deal with a complex setup process to encrypt their email and are willing to pay a subscription fee.

5. Encrypt A File Then Send The Email

You may encrypt a file and then attach it to an email using Microsoft Office programs. The receiver will only be able to open the file if he knows the password. As a result, you may write the confidential data in a word document, encrypt it, and send it. I propose using a secure messaging service to share passwords.

Also, note that you cannot forget the password once you encrypt the file because there will be no way to retrieve the file if this happens. Therefore, I suggest that you save it somewhere you will remember. I use Safe In The Cloud to protect and save my passcodes.

6. Use Third-Party Applications To Send Encrypted

There are a few third-party programs that you may use to send encrypted emails, but some of them either allow a limited number of free emails per month or charge a monthly or annual fee to utilize their services. 

Safe-Mail and R-mail, for instance, can only be helpful if you don’t want to set up anything and are prepared to pay for their service.

7. Crypto Anywhere Usb Encryption

Crypto Anywhere is a program that can be stored on a USB flash drive and provides free encrypted email while traveling. This is for you if you won’t have access to your computer but want to secure your web-based email when visiting your local internet café. 

8. Use A Platform To Send One Time Encrypted Messages

There are just a few websites that enable you to send one-time messages. Then, when your receiver views the message or the time restriction expires, these platforms promptly delete it. This feature is available on Share A Secret and Quick Forget platforms.

9. Use Email Provider That Has Built-In Encryption

Fortunately, various commercial and free encrypted email solutions are available that can offer you privacy and protection. You use their applications like Outlook and Gmail; only that’s it is encrypted. 

The only thing to remember is that some of these email providers have different pricing plans ranging from free to a hefty monthly/annual subscription charge. For example, Proton Mail, Hushmail, and Tutonata are three excellent encrypted email providers. 

The programs for these email services are simple to use and set up. However, if you decide to use this technique, I propose that you examine each one separately and select the one that mostly matches your requirements.

10. Use Instant Encrypted Messaging Service 

We’ve been using encrypted communication applications like WhatsApp since 2015. Since then, several more encrypted messaging platforms, such as Telegram, Signal, and Wire, have emerged. The messaging services are entirely safe to share content.

The messaging service has end-to-end encryption for user-to-user text messaging via encrypted messaging (also known as secure messaging). Encrypted texting ensures that no one can read your text exchanges. These messaging services also protect your phone calls.

You may also send documents, photographs, and videos using these applications. However, I recommend that you only use the applications for friends and relatives. These messaging services are usually not considered a professional form of communication in the corporate workspace.

How Does Encrypted Email Benefit You?

encrypted email benefits

Email encryption is the technique of hiding the content of your email messages so that unauthorized parties cannot read them. However, when confidential material, such as social security numbers, passwords, login credentials, and bank details, is communicated by email, it is vulnerable and can be obtained by hackers.

The benefits of having your email encrypted outweigh the time you have to make it secure. It’s a widespread assumption that those who have nothing to conceal don’t need encryption. Unfortunately, we exist in a world whereby hackers, identity thieves, and even marketers are interested in your most sensitive personal information.

Encryption allows you to safeguard sensitive data, and it is economical as you don’t have to purchase security software or equipment. In addition, it’s a time-saver as you don’t have to rely on several programs to be secure. Also, it allows you to comply with the nation or business regulations to protect information.

Conclusion

As you can see, sending an encrypted email or message may be done in various ways. I have mentioned all the methods for professional and personal use. However, I believe you should now have a full grasp of what type of encryption suits your needs. 

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