Encryption of email messages depends on several factors, one of which is how the email messages are accessed. Outlook is a very common software application for handling email. You can obtain a digital certificate from several certificate providers and install it to Outlook in order to encrypt messages. The steps to add a digital certificate can be a little complicated for most users so you may need IT help. You can also use a third party product to encrypt messages. In both cases, you will need to exchange encryption keys between yourself and the receiving party. The management of encryption keys is the main reason why so many people avoid encrypting their email.
Another option, which is much easier to implement, is to use encryption services from a service provider. As an example, all of our email is sent through a third party provider. When we need to send an encrypted message, we just select the “encrypt now” icon in Outlook’s toolbar. There is nothing else for the user to do. The message is then encrypted and sent to the recipient. No exchange of encryption keys is required. We would recommend investigating third party providers of encryption services as your first choice.
To find out more information about how to encrypt email or to schedule a free one hour security consultation, please call Sensei’s CEO, Mike Maschke at 703-359-0700 or e-mail him at mmaschke@senseient.com.
And to learn more, watch Vice President John Simek’s video about encrypting email below.
