How To Encrypt E-Mail Messages

Step 1: Install Secure E-mail Certificate

You need to enroll for a personal security certificate. This will enable you to digitally sign and encrypt all your e-mail. There are a number of providers on the Internet that offer free security certificates including www.comodo.com. Follow the steps provided and install the certificate on your computer.

Step 2: Set up Encryption Outlook 2007

To set encryption, click on Tools in the Outlook Menu bar. Choose Options Trust Centre and click on e-mail security on the left hand side of the window. Choose Settings and this will open the following window. Type in a Security Settings Name – any name that you want – and then click on Choose next to Signing Certificate and pick the security certificate that you want to use for your digital signature and click OK. This will automatically default as your encryption security certificate as well. You can also adapt your settings so for example, tick the box if you want all your mail messages to be encrypted. Click OK to save settings.

Step 3: Set up Encryption Outlook 2003

Encryption for Outlook 2003 is very similar. Just find the Security Settings window by clicking on Tools, choosing Options and clicking the security tab.

Step 4: Send and Receive Digital Certificate

Now that it is set up, you can start sending safe secure e-mails. Before you can send encrypted messages, the recipient of the message needs to have a copy of your security certificate and you need a copy of theirs. By sending an e-mail with your digital signature, you will be attaching a copy of your encryption certificate. This is easy to do. Open a new mail message and click on Digitally Sign and send it to your friends and colleagues.
Request others to send an e-mail with their digital signature. If they do this, you must make sure that you save their details into your contacts book. Right click on the sender's details and choose Add to Outlook Contacts. This will save their e-mail details but more importantly their digital certificate.

Step 5: Send Encrypted Emails

Now you can send encrypted messages. Open a new mail message. Choose form contacts list who you are e-mailing and write your message. Click on Encrypt message and send away.