Sending Encrypted Email using Microsoft Outlook
Overview
For many, email has become a primary form of communications. However, with email comes a security concern. Email messages are generally sent in "clear text" which means if the message is intercepted, between sender and intended receiver, it can be easily read. While in most instances this is not a concern, there may be times when email messages may contain content of a more sensitive nature. In these cases, sending "encrypted" email is a better solution. When mail is encrypted, it can only be read by someone with the ability to decrypt the message.
In this article, the process of encrypting email messages will be demonstrated both in the desktop and online versions of Microsoft Outlook.
Encrypting Email Message in Outlook (desktop version)
By default, Southeast does not encrypt email. In order to encrypt email with sensitive data, use the following steps.
Step 1: Open a new email. From the new message window, click on File
Step 2: Select “Encrypt this item”
Step 3: Select the account to use to encrypt the message.
Step 4: There are several options to enhance security. Select Encrypt-Only
Step 5: When you select encrypt only, the following message appears.
Step 6: You’ll notice a new message at the top of the message. You’re now ready to compose and send an encrypted message
Step 7: The message recipient will see something like the message below depending on their email provider and client software (example shown is Gmail)
For information on receiving an encrypted email message, see the related articles
Encrypting Email Message in Outlook (online version)
Step 1: Open a new email. From the new message window, click on Encrypt
Step 2: A message will appear above the message contents
Step 3: Address the message, add a subject and message content. Click Send
Step 4: The message recipient will see something like the message below depending on their email provider and client software (example shown is Gmail)
For information on receiving an encrypted email message, see the related articles