Email encryption is the act of disguising the content to ensure that only the recipient sees it. By protecting your emails in this way, you preserve your data safe from hackers and not only.
An encrypted email is sent using the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and opens using a unique private key that decrypts the message.
There are several types of encryption tools, namely symmetric or asymmetric data protection.
Asymmetric encryption is the most common type of encryption, also known as public-key cryptography. You need two separate keys - one private and one public.
Your public key can be shared with others so they can encrypt specific messages for you. The private key is what usesfrom you to decrypt a message when it arrives in your inbox. The private key must be kept secure, as with it, your messages can be unlocked and read.
Symmetric encryption is a secure and simple encryption method that uses a single cryptographic key, referred to as secret-key cryptography. With this type of encryption, you will need to send a key to the recipient to unlock the message.
Gmail (and Outlook) uses protocol Transport Layer Security (TLS) to keep messages secure between mail servers. While it keeps messages private, it doesn't offer end-to-end encryption.
With end-to-end encryption, the message is encrypted when it is sent and decrypted as soon as it reaches the recipient's device. With TLS, the message is encrypted by the sender and decrypted on the server. This is why some email service providers require additional third-party applications to improve email encryption.
As a precaution, it is recommended that all emails sent and received be encrypted.
How to send secure messages with Gmail
You can secure an email by requiring a password accesss or setting an end date.
Gmail's confidential mode requires authorized access to protect information by setting expiration dates for emails or having the option to revoke access at any time.
Recipients will not be able to copy, receive, forward, or print these messages. The settings completely affect the content of his email, that is, the text message and any attachments.
Click New Mail (Compose) to create your email.
In the lower right, as shown in the image below, select Turn on confidential mode.
Set an expiration date for your email and password. The password can be sent via text message to the recipient's phone.
Click Save and Send when you are ready.
If you want to stop accessing the mail you sent, click the email in the "Sent" folder and click Remove access.