Let’s jump right in and discuss how to send secure emails using Gmail. In a world in which your grandmother is as likely to be phished by a hacker as you are forgetting your password, locking your doors at night is like keeping your emails secure. It’s a matter of basic safety, how to send secure email in gmail.
Have you heard of Confidential mode in Gmail before? Imagine it as Snapchat for email. Click on the little clock icon in the bottom right corner of your compose window to sprinkle some magic dust. After the period of time you select, your email will self-destruct. You can make it more Mission Impossible. Add a SMS passcode. You can also add an SMS passcode.
There’s still more! S/MIME encryption is available to you if you are a member of the cool kids’ club, also known as Google Workspace Enterprise Users. This bad boy encrypts emails so well, that if anyone intercepts them, they would only see gibberish. This is like sending your email through a blender, before it gets to its intended recipient. Only the person who knows the correct settings can put it together.
No, I’m not on the fancy plan. No worries. Third-party extensions such as Secure Mail for Gmail and FlowCrypt will protect you from the internet. These add-ons work like a bouncer at your email–they verify IDs and only allow those authorized to enter.
Let’s discuss what happens right before you hit “send.” Have you ever heard the phrase “think before speaking”? Think before you send is the digital equivalent. You might not want to send an email that asks you for sensitive or personal information. It’s okay to pick up the phone and meet face-to-face. You can avoid a lot more headaches by picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face (gasp!
While we’re at it, let’s also not forget two-factor authentication. You need two locks on your door, because just one is not enough. If you have 2FA, it’s not enough to steal your password; they would also need your phone. They’ll have to be very lucky to pass that guard dog.
Last but not least, update everything – your apps, browsers, and even Aunt Linda’s famous cookie recipes (just kidding about that last one). Hackers like old software because it is easier to hack.
Remember, better safe than sorry doesn’t just apply to crossing the street–it is also important when clicking’send’ on that email. It’s important to remember that better safe than regret doesn’t only apply when crossing the street, but also when you click’send.’ Consider regular network health checks as a dentist appointment.
As a final note (and yes, you know I said “no fluff”), securing remote sites connections isn’t rocket science. But it’s also not baking cookies (unless you use lasers to bake cookies). Keep your skills sharp and choose tools that do not require a PhD. You can also add some training to the mix, because humans can be the weakest link.
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