How to encrypt email Gmail and Mail

Email remains a primary online communication method, despite its inherent security vulnerabilities. Its free accessibility means nearly everyone possesses an email address, yet its design prioritizes text and attachments over inherent security. While encrypted email is gaining traction, not all providers offer robust protection.

Safeguarding Your Emails

This article explores email encryption, secure email transmission, and the security measures (or lack thereof) employed by popular email providers. We'll also introduce three top-tier apps designed to encrypt your emails.

Understanding Email Encryption

Email encryption prevents unauthorized access to your messages, though it doesn't stop interception. Public key cryptography scrambles the email content, making it readable only by the sender and recipient who possess the corresponding private key for decryption.

Email Encryption in Apple Mail

Apple Mail supports S/MIME, a common email encryption standard. To enable encryption:

1. Access Keychain Access.
2. Use Certificate Assistant > Request a Certificate From a Certificate Authority (CA). Provide your email address, name, and the CA's email address (e.g., VeriSign).
3. Customize key pair information (optional).
4. Review and confirm.

After CA approval, export your certificate, adding a strong passphrase for enhanced security and cross-device compatibility. Restart Mail; your emails will be automatically signed using the public key (checkmark icon). Encryption (lock icon) is enabled when the recipient also possesses a certificate. Expired certificates require renewal by repeating the process. Never delete old keys unless you intend to lose access to older messages.

Gmail Encryption

Gmail employs TLS (Transport Layer Security) for incoming and outgoing emails, but its effectiveness depends on both sender and receiver using TLS. Google Workspace users have access to S/MIME for enhanced protection. However, both TLS and S/MIME are only effective if both parties have them enabled, and neither prevents Google from scanning email content.

Gmail Attachment and Confidential Mode Encryption

TLS covers all Gmail content, including attachments, but requires both parties to use TLS. Gmail's "Confidential Mode" offers limited control (expiration dates, access revocation, passcode requirements), but isn't true encryption. It also necessitates sharing the recipient's phone number with Google.

Apps for Email Encryption

Canary Mail offers default email encryption (SecureSend and PGP). Enable it in Settings > Security. You can also manually manage encryption keys.

Canary Mail simplifies encryption management, eliminating the need for manual key creation. Its Setapp integration provides iOS compatibility and access to Copilot, an AI assistant for email management.

Data Requiring Email Encryption

Given email's vulnerability, encrypting sensitive information is crucial:

• Bank details
• Addresses
• Signatures
• Travel plans
• Personal information about others

Additional Security Measures

Beyond email encryption, consider using tools like CleanMyMac X's Shredder to permanently delete files and its Privacy tab to clear browsing history and other data traces.

Secrets is recommended for password management and secure storage of sensitive data.

Conclusion

Email encryption is vital for protecting sensitive data. Canary Mail, CleanMyMac X, and Secrets offer a comprehensive approach to email security, data deletion, and password management. A seven-day Setapp trial provides access to these and other productivity apps. After the trial, Setapp costs $9.99/month or $8.99/month with annual prepayment.

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