Three Email Encryption Methods to Protect Yourself

Since the beginning of time, the concept of passing secret messages has existed. The objective has been to successfully send and receive messages that none but the sender and receiver understand. The idea started out as a whisper to adjacent companions, then turned into writing secret codes and riddles. Now, in this age of technology, emails have become a primary source of communication.

In recent times, we have seen that email messages and text messages have landed individuals in precarious positions. Corporations regularly scan emails sent and received through their servers. Trials are won, and lost, based on email communications. Even in personal relationships, a loosely guarded password has resulted in the exposure of secrets kept. So, how does one protect themselves when sending email communications?

Encrypting email messages can range from very simple to very difficult. Base the process on the level of security necessary. If one is merely sending a note to a good friend, using services such as yahoo or hotmail, then use basic encryption techniques. However, if the information sent is of a sensitive nature, such as a high level of security, then heavier methods might need implementing.

Basic techniques may seem to be almost childish when using it in an email. However, simple cryptology is still a method that gives control of the encryption and decryption process only to the sender and receiver. More advanced techniques tend to use programs or software that completes the process for the user. So, what is an example of a basic technique?

Uijt jt b dbftbs djqifs. Xf tijgu uif mfuufst cz b dfsubjo ovncfs boe uibu qspevdft b ofx bmqibcfu psefs. Jo uijt dbtf, uif mfuufst xfsf tijgufe cz pof.

This is a Caesar Cipher. We shift the letters by a certain number and that produces a new alphabet order. In this case, the letters were shifted by ONE.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

bcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyza

Many websites provide tools to perform this function. As well, you may also find software to download. This is the oldest form of encryption, and thus, the easiest to break since there are only 26 combinations. However, for low security methods this style of encryption is quick and easy. The best part is that the control over encryption remains in the hands of the sender and receiver.

Do searches on Google for Caesar Shift Cipher for tools and more information. Another easy method, yet usable for low security reasons, is called the Vigenere Cipher. This method is stronger and uses a keyword that is known only to the sender and receiver. In the Caesar Shift, the chosen number of shifts creates the sequence of the cipher alphabet (the alphabet obtained after the shift). However, in the Vigenere Cipher, the alphabet is arranged by placing the keyword and then the rest of the alphabet, minus the keywords letters, after it. For example, if my keyword were 'secret', then the alphabet would look this way (notice how the letter E is used only once):

SECRTABDFGHIJKLMNOPQUVWXYZ

This method is easy and can be fun. It harkens to the childhood days of the decoder ring. Sometimes, though, more secure methods are necessary. The document in question may be highly sensitive information, or possibly it is a private communication that could be a detriment to you later, such as with company emails.

In this case, email software has developed to include encryption methods. Microsoft Outlook, the most commonly used email software, has built in encryption protocols to help a user encrypt their communication. You may purchase a digital id from such sites as VeriSign or Intellisafe for approximately twenty dollars. Once you have obtained your Digital ID, you then import it via the Trust Center options. When writing an email, the Options tab will allow you to choose to encrypt your message.

As mentioned before, using an email client such as Outlook takes the encryption out of your hands. When the email is sent, the receiver will open the email and as long as they have a copy of your Digital ID, then the message will decrypt and can be read normally. The drawback to using this function is that both the sender and receiver need to have digital certificates. You cannot send an encrypted email to anyone that has not provided you with a digital certificate.

Fortunately, there is a third option that provides a compromise between the basic encryption methods and the convoluted digital id methods. Lockbin is a free service website that will encrypt an email message and store that message on secure servers. An email will be sent to the receiver informing them that they have received encrypted communication from you. Then, they will navigate to the Lockbin site and, following the steps, provide the secret key that they should have received from the sender at a previous time.

Anyone intercepting the email and entering the wrong keyword on the Lockbin site will see an encrypted message. Lockbin removes the original message and the sender must resend it. This site advertises their security and enhances that security with imposed measures of anyone trying to read the message through brute force techniques.

Encrypting email messages is quite easy, as you may see from these methods. With Outlooks heavy security and encryption process, purchasing digital certificates and obtaining those from potential receivers provides a solid method of secure communication. However, for most people, using basic encryption methods, such as the Caesar Cipher or Lockbin, cost nothing and serves equal purpose.