Email encryption – Which method is the most secure?

Easily implement secure email communication

Client-based end-to-end encryption can be divided into three methods: Symmetric, asymmetric and hybrid, a combination of the two.

Symmetric encryption works by using the same key for both, sender and receiver. What seems like a simple solution has immense disadvantages for security. The keys must be transmitted electronically between both parties and can be read in the process.

In asymmetric end-to-end encryption, both parties use a key pair consisting of a private key (similar to a secret password) and a public key (similar to a username that can be shared). The public key is exchanged between the communication partners. Once person A has received the public key from person B, they can use it to write an encrypted email. Person B uses his private key to decrypt it – this way, even with sensitive data, it can be ensured that only the person for whom the email is intended can read it.

That sounds like a complex issue? No problem: As a company, you can specify in the Outlook add-in gpg4o® that these keys are simply and securely provided, managed and distributed by a central key server through automated synchronisation. Employees can also be provided with pre-tested key material and do not have to take care of key management themselves. This significantly minimises the effort of client-based end-to-end encryption and makes it one of the most secure methods for encrypting emails.