In today’s digital landscape, the idea of privacy often seems elusive. However, applications like Microsoft Outlook provide robust security features to keep your information safe during transit. One such feature is end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended sender and receiver can access the contents of your emails. If you’re using Microsoft Outlook, you might wonder: how can you easily encrypt your emails to maximize your privacy?
Before diving in, it’s important to note that email encryption through Outlook is exclusively available for users with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Dubbed ‘Pureview Message Encryption,’ this feature is user-friendly and straightforward to implement.
Encryption in Outlook is confined to the Windows and macOS desktop versions, as well as the web app. Unfortunately, the mobile apps for Android and iOS do not support this feature.
1. Encrypt Emails in Outlook App via Options Tab
Encrypting your emails in the Outlook desktop or web app is a breeze. Remember, it isn’t enabled by default, so you’ll have to activate it each time you send a confidential message. Follow these simple steps:
- Open Microsoft Outlook and click on New Email.
- In the top bar, select Options to access additional settings.
- Click the padlock icon in the newly revealed toolbar.
- From the dropdown menu, select Encrypt.
- A confirmation message saying “This message is encrypted” will appear at the top of your email. Now, write the body of your email and hit Send.
2. Encrypt Outlook Emails with the Do Not Forward Option
If you’re sending emails that contain highly sensitive information, consider using the Do Not Forward option alongside encryption. This feature ensures that the recipient cannot forward your email. Here’s how to do it:
- Launch Outlook and hit New Email.
- Select Options to enable the toolbar and click on the padlock icon.
- Choose Do Not Forward from the list of options.
- A notification stating “Recipients can’t forward or copy content” will appear.
- Finally, click Send to deliver your message securely.
3. What Happens When You Send an Encrypted Outlook Email?
When you send an encrypted email to another Outlook user, they can directly read your message without additional steps. However, if you opted for the Do Not Forward feature, they won’t be able to forward or copy the email.
What happens if you send an encrypted email to a Gmail or Yahoo account? The recipient will receive the email but will be asked to sign in using an Outlook or Google account to view the content.
Is encrypting emails in Outlook secure? Absolutely! The encryption process adds an essential layer of security, especially for sensitive information.
How often should I use email encryption in Outlook? It’s a best practice to use email encryption whenever you are sending confidential or sensitive information to protect your data effectively.
Can I encrypt attachments in Outlook? Yes, when you encrypt your email, all contained attachments are also safeguarded, ensuring their privacy.
Using encryption in Outlook fosters a safer communication environment, protecting your data from potential threats. Now that you know how to encrypt emails in this widely-used service, you can take control of your privacy like never before. For more insightful tips, continue exploring related content at Moyens I/O.