How to encrypt email in Gmail like a secret agent

Gmail is a great email service, but the one thing they're not known for is respect for your privacy. After all, their business model is to monitor your online activities in order to serve you "relevant ads". You may be open about it, but that doesn't excuse it. So what do you do when you want your emails to remain private? How to encrypt your emails in Gmail like a secret agent.

Continue reading: What is encryption?

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To encrypt emails in Gmail, there is the easy way and the hard way. The hard way is to download all your emails to a local email client like Outlook or macOS Mail using IMAP and then install PGP. This requires a steep learning curve. A much easier method is to use a third-party Chrome extension, which also uses PGP but does all the heavy lifting for you.

How to encrypt emails in Gmail

Many years ago, if you wanted to encrypt your email, you faced the very daunting task of installing PGP on a local email client, figuring out public and private keys, and hoping you didn't do anything wrong. They then decided it wasn't worth the trouble and gave up. Today, with the advent of browser extensions, you can simplify these processes to the point that it's just a simple click and send.

Google only has three possible encryption extensions in the Chrome Web Store. Of these three, FlowCrypt has the highest rating.

Once you've installed it, you'll be prompted to enter an existing PGP key if you have one, or to create a new one. For this demonstration, let's assume you don't have one.

You need to set up a really strong passphrase first, the longer the better. As you type, you'll be told how safe it is. Arrive GREAT at least. PERFECT would be even better. Of course, remember the passphrase so you don't forget it. And before you hacker dudes get upset, that's not my passphrase. I changed it after taking this screenshot.

When you click Create and save, you will be redirected to the FlowCrypt website to create your first encrypted message. But now if you go to your Gmail inbox, you will see a new button called Compose Safe composing. Click on it to get started.

A brand new email compose window will now open. Enter the email address you want your secret message sent to, then click Encrypt, sign and send.

When an encrypted email arrives in your inbox, FlowCrypt automatically decrypts it back to plain text for you. However, if someone intercepted the email between you and the sender, they would see the following. Without the decryption key, it's useless gibberish.

Of course, the following always applies. Keep your private key secret. Keep your passphrase secret. If you think any of these have been compromised, change them immediately.

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Continue reading: How to encrypt your Android device

frequently asked Questions

Does the e-mail recipient need the same encryption program as you to be able to read e-mails?

The email recipient must have an email encryption program, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the same as you. When Flow Crypt sends your email, Flow Crypt also sends your public key so that the other person can send you an email securely, regardless of their encryption platform.

Does Flow Crypt also encrypt Gmail attachments?

Yes, attachments are also encrypted.

Can you encrypt and decrypt emails in the Gmail mobile app?

Regarding Flow Crypt, a 2018 blog post indicated that they would start testing the Android version. Since then not a word has been spoken. There doesn't seem to be an iOS version yet. It's probably best to stick with the desktop version.

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