Digitally sign emails - how it works
If you want to digitally sign your emails, you have to use small additional tools. We present the procedure in this article.
Sign emails via certificate - with "Gpg4wub"
With the free tool "Gpg4win" you can digitally sign emails with certificates. To do this, you must first generate a key pair:
- Download and install the free software.
- After the installation, start the "Kleoprata" program.
- Select "File" and "New Certificate" here.
- In this window, click on "Create personal OpenPGP key pair".
- Enter your details here and then click on "Next".
- Your data will now be displayed for you to check. If they are correct, click on the "Generate key" button.
- Now you have to enter your passphrase. This should be easy to remember, but difficult to crack. For security, you have to enter the passphrase twice to avoid typing errors. Then confirm with "OK".
- Your key will be generated in the next window. You can insert any text into the input field or move the window back and forth with the mouse.
- After you have successfully created the key, you can save it on your PC as a copy, send it by email or send it to the certificate server. However, these steps are optional.
- Finally click on "Finish".
How to sign your email now
- Compose your email with the program of your choice, e.g. Thunderbird or Outlook.
- Then click on the pen that is next to a small lock. This will digitally sign the email. You can then send them off.
- In order for the email to be finally signed, you still have to enter your passphrase. Confirm this with "OK".
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