Outlook uses two methods for encryption
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 9:40 am
S/MIME encryption and Microsoft 365 Message Encryption.
Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions or S/MIME is an encryption protocol that protects your emails from common cyber attacks like phishing, email spoofing, etc. It uses digital signatures and public key cryptography to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of emails. This method is only available to users with Office 365 email accounts, regardless of their email service provider, to send encrypted emails to the desired recipients.
To start using S/MIME-based email encryption, users must ensure that senders and recipients are using the same mail application and have installed a valid S/MIME australia phone number list certificate in Outlook. A digital certificate consists of a public and private key pair. After installing the digital certificate, follow these steps to configure it in Outlook:
For Office Insiders with an enabled Microsoft 365 subscription - Please note that the "Use S/MIME encryption" option will only appear if you have an S/MIME certificate installed on your device.
Users using Outlook 2019 and Outlook 2016 must select Options > Permissions.
That's it, now you can send encrypted emails using the S/MIME method in Outlook. Once S/MIME is configured, you can compose a new message, select the "Encrypt" option on the email toolbar, and then select "Send." When the recipient receives the email, Outlook will seamlessly decrypt the message using their private key without any additional steps.
Since the first method requires installing and configuring a certificate, it is recommended that you learn how to encrypt messages in Outlook using the Office 365 Message Encryption method. So, if you send important confidential attachments, keep in mind that this method will encrypt them as well. Doesn't that sound like a pure win-win situation? To get started, just make sure you upgrade your Office 365 subscription plan to one that offers OME. Once you've done that, follow the simple steps. It's enough of a hassle to draft an email, prepare the attachments, and remember to attach them before hitting the send key, why add another headache? And, is it worth it? So, the answer to the question is "yes". There are two main reasons you must consider.
Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions or S/MIME is an encryption protocol that protects your emails from common cyber attacks like phishing, email spoofing, etc. It uses digital signatures and public key cryptography to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of emails. This method is only available to users with Office 365 email accounts, regardless of their email service provider, to send encrypted emails to the desired recipients.
To start using S/MIME-based email encryption, users must ensure that senders and recipients are using the same mail application and have installed a valid S/MIME australia phone number list certificate in Outlook. A digital certificate consists of a public and private key pair. After installing the digital certificate, follow these steps to configure it in Outlook:
For Office Insiders with an enabled Microsoft 365 subscription - Please note that the "Use S/MIME encryption" option will only appear if you have an S/MIME certificate installed on your device.
Users using Outlook 2019 and Outlook 2016 must select Options > Permissions.
That's it, now you can send encrypted emails using the S/MIME method in Outlook. Once S/MIME is configured, you can compose a new message, select the "Encrypt" option on the email toolbar, and then select "Send." When the recipient receives the email, Outlook will seamlessly decrypt the message using their private key without any additional steps.
Since the first method requires installing and configuring a certificate, it is recommended that you learn how to encrypt messages in Outlook using the Office 365 Message Encryption method. So, if you send important confidential attachments, keep in mind that this method will encrypt them as well. Doesn't that sound like a pure win-win situation? To get started, just make sure you upgrade your Office 365 subscription plan to one that offers OME. Once you've done that, follow the simple steps. It's enough of a hassle to draft an email, prepare the attachments, and remember to attach them before hitting the send key, why add another headache? And, is it worth it? So, the answer to the question is "yes". There are two main reasons you must consider.