When sending an email with an attachment, does anyone routinely encrypt the attachment?
If so, what do you use to peform the encryption?
If so, what do you use to peform the encryption?
Email Attachments
- Thread starter Trevor Chandler
- Start date
@Trevor Chandler
Yes, it is possible to encrypt an attachment when sending an email. Encrypting attachments ensures that only the intended recipient can access the content. Here are some common methods to encrypt email attachments:
Yes, it is possible to encrypt an attachment when sending an email. Encrypting attachments ensures that only the intended recipient can access the content. Here are some common methods to encrypt email attachments:
- Password-Protected ZIP Files: You can compress your files into a ZIP archive and set a password. The recipient will need the password to extract the files.
- Tools: WinRAR, 7-Zip, or built-in ZIP utilities on most operating systems.
- Encryption Software: Use dedicated encryption software to encrypt your files before attaching them to an email.
- Tools: VeraCrypt, AxCrypt, or BitLocker (for Windows).
- Email Services with Built-in Encryption: Some email services offer built-in encryption for attachments.
- Services: ProtonMail, Tutanota, or Gmail with third-party encryption plugins like FlowCrypt.
- Secure File Transfer Services: Use secure file transfer services that offer encryption.
- Services: WeTransfer (with password protection), Dropbox (with shared link settings), or Google Drive (with link sharing settings).
- PGP/GPG Encryption: Use Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) or GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) to encrypt your files and emails.
- Tools: Gpg4win (for Windows), GPG Suite (for macOS), or command-line tools for Linux.
So, the recipient isn't required to have the same encryption software to decrypt the attachment?
Gmail uses TLS to encrypt email, and offers S/MIME for attachments.
Microsoft 365 has option for encryption, when composing an email.
Whoa! Gmail encrypts email? I never knew that. In fact, I never knew that any email service encrypted email sent and/or received!
Wow! The learning is endless in this community!!! Thanks jarrelrivera!!!!
Not all emails are encrypted. You need to click the "encrypt" option, to encrypt it.
Refer to the link re: Gmail encryption types.
Learn about email encryption in Gmail - Gmail Help
In Gmail, encryption in transit makes it harder for others to read your email when it travels between you and your intended recipients. If you have a work or school account, additional encryption type
support.google.com
As for Outlook, here's the link:
Learn about encrypted messages in Outlook.com - Microsoft Support
Learn about Outlook.com encrypted messages. Discover how to encrypt an email in Outlook, send an encrypted email, and read an encrypted email.
support.microsoft.com
My goodness, this post started out with something that was fairly elementary, and has now elevated to higher learning. This is terrific!!!Not all emails are encrypted. You need to click the "encrypt" option, to encrypt it.
Refer to the link re: Gmail encryption types.
Learn about email encryption in Gmail - Gmail Help
In Gmail, encryption in transit makes it harder for others to read your email when it travels between you and your intended recipients. If you have a work or school account, additional encryption typesupport.google.com
As for Outlook, here's the link:
Learn about encrypted messages in Outlook.com - Microsoft Support
Learn about Outlook.com encrypted messages. Discover how to encrypt an email in Outlook, send an encrypted email, and read an encrypted email.
Many thanks jarrelrivera. I've never heard or read about what you're sharing with me!!!
One more question: If I send an encrypted email via Gmail, and the destination is to hotmail/Outlook, does that create any decryption challenge?
Encrypt attachments? Only if I’m sending classified cookie recipes! But seriously, I use tools like 7-Zip or built-in options like Office encryption. Keeps the snoopers guessing!
ProtonMail: Automatically encrypts emails and attachments for end-to-end security.
ProtonMail: Automatically encrypts emails and attachments for end-to-end security.
Is anything special required on the recipients end (e.g. hotmail) if ProtonMail is used to send the email?
The email content itself stays encrypted when sending from ProtonMail to a provider like Hotmail, but the recipient won't instantly benefit from ProtonMail's end-to-end encryption. The option to send an email with a password will be available through ProtonMail; the recipient will require the password in order to decode the email. They can access the email using a secure web link if no password is established, but they will need to input the password you gave them individually.
I've never known this! Of course, it stands to reason that I've never done this! Thanks precious for enlightening me in an area that is very practical!!!!
Yes the email is encrypted but encrypted the folder is added advantage.
I expect a password-protected email from you!
Indeed, encrypting the folder is like adding a second lock to the door; even if someone chooses the first one, they won't be able to enter!
Yes, indeed! ZIP files are similar to the digital world's hidden vault; just remember the password or it's game over!
precious you're gonna have to let me work my way up to the password-protected email regimen
Take your time—I'll be here, ready to decrypt your masterpiece!precious you're gonna have to let me work my way up to the password-protected email regimen
Glad to help.
Transmissions of encrypted email from one platform to another is typically okay, as long as both clients are capable of handling the same cipher. Personally, I've not had issues with encrypted emails between Gmail and Outlook.
ProtonMail uses end-to-end encryption by default, to what I know. They also have ProtonMail bridge that you can use to encrypt emails with other clients, i.e. Outlook, Thunderbird and Apple Mail. See link for reference: https://proton.me/mail/bridge