How To Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook

By
Mathew Abiodun
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How To Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook
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Microsoft Outlook, being a widely used email platform, offers robust email encryption options to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of your messages. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps for implementing email encryption in Outlook, covering both Microsoft 365 Message Encryption and encryption options for Outlook 2019 and 2016.

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Contents

Steps to Encrypt Email Sent in Microsoft Outlook

Email Encryption in Microsoft 365 Message Encryption:

For Microsoft 365 subscribers, Microsoft offers a robust email encryption solution. Follow the steps below:

  • Click ‘New Email’ to open an email message in Outlook.
Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook: Open new email
Open new email
  • Navigate to the ‘Options’ tab and select ‘Encrypt.’ Choose the encryption option with desired restrictions (e.g., ‘Encrypt-Only’ or ‘Do Not Forward’).
Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook: Encrypt outgoing email
Encrypt outgoing email

Note: Microsoft 365 Message Encryption is included in the Office 365 Enterprise E3 license. The ‘Encrypt-Only’ feature is exclusively available for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise users using Exchange Online.

Email Encryption in Outlook 2019 and 2016:

  • Click ‘New Email’ to open an email message in Outlook 2019 or 2016.
  • Click on ‘Options’ and go to ‘Permissions.’
  • Choose the encryption option that aligns with your requirements (e.g., ‘Do Not Forward’).
Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook: Set outgoing email permission
Set outgoing email permission

Encrypting a Single Message:

For scenarios where selective encryption is preferred, users can encrypt individual messages. Follow the steps below:

  • While composing an email, click on ‘File.’
Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook: Select the File tab
Select the File tab
  • Next, select ‘Properties.’
Click the Properties tab
Click the Properties tab
  • Select ‘Security Settings.’
Click the Security settings button
Click the Security settings button
  • Check the ‘Encrypt message contents and attachments’ box.
Enable encryption for single message
Enable encryption for single message
  • Compose your message and click ‘Send.’

Encrypting All Outgoing Messages:

To fortify your email communication further, Outlook allows users to encrypt all outgoing messages by default. This ensures a consistent level of security for all communications leaving your inbox. To do this:

  • Click on the ‘File’ tab.
  • In the File settings select ‘Options’
Click on Options
Click on Options
  • Under the option menu, select ‘Trust Center’ > ‘Trust Center Settings.’
Select Trust center
Select Trust center
  • Select the ‘Email Security’ tab, and check ‘Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages.’
Encrypt sent emails and attachments for all outgoing mails
Encrypt sent emails and attachments for all outgoing mails
  • To configure additional settings, such as choosing a specific certificate, click ‘Settings.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of email encryption in Outlook is a fundamental step in securing your digital communication. Whether you opt for Microsoft 365 Message Encryption or utilize the features available in Outlook 2019 and 2016, following these step-by-step instructions will empower you to establish a secure communication environment, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your messages.