Encrypt email - how it works

If you want to encrypt your e-mails for data protection, there are a few things to consider. You can find out which encryption methods are available and how they work in this practical tip.

Encrypt emails - this is how you proceed

Basically, you have to differentiate between server-side and so-called end-to-end encryption. You should no longer do without the former. Email providers that do not offer these as standard should not use them.

• Server-side encryption is only possible if your email provider also offers this.
• You can recognize this, for example, by the fact that the connection to the provider's website is secured with HTTPS.
• If you use an e-mail program such as Outlook, you must activate SSL or TLS encryption in the account settings.
• The correct settings vary from provider to provider. Therefore, find out from your email provider.
• Important: If you want to protect your privacy and really encrypt your emails, you should use end-to-end encryption. Read on below.

Secure end-to-end encryption for electronic mail

End-to-end encryption is independent of the provider and is usually done with the GnuPG cryptography system. You encrypt the email immediately after writing, only then send it off. No e-mail provider can read this.

• We explain in the linked article how exactly the end-to-end encryption of your emails works.
• PEP is a versatile software suite for encrypting emails. It supports many different platforms such as Android, iOS, Outlook and Thunderbird.
• Thunderbird: Also as a practical tip, you will find a simple guide on how to encrypt emails with Thunderbird.
• Outlook: If you use Microsoft's Outlook as an e-mail client, we also have instructions for you.
• Android / iOS: We will tell you elsewhere how you can also encrypt emails on your smartphone.

In the next practical tip, we will introduce you to the email providers in the Stiftung Warentest security test.