How to Encrypt email messages

Sending and viewing encrypted e-mail messages requires both sender and recipient to share their digital ID (digital ID: Contains a private key that stays on the sender's computer and a certificate (with a public key). The certificate is sent with digitally signed messages. Recipients save the certificate and use the public key to encrypt messages to the sender.), or certificate. This essentially means the recipient is given the private key that matches the sender's public key. Once the parties have shared certificates, sending and viewing encrypted e-mail messages between them is the same as with any other e-mail messages. You can learn about digital IDs here and learn how to get and exchange digital IDs here.

 

Encrypt a single message

1. In the message, on the Message tab, in the Options group on the ribbon, click the Encrypt Message Contents and Attachments button .  Note   If you don't see this button, click the Options Dialog Box Launcher in the lower right corner of the group to open the Message Options dialog box. Click the Security Settings button and in the Security Properties dialog box, select Encrypt message contents and attachments. Click OK and then close the Message Options dialog box.
   
2. Compose your message and send it.

Encrypt all outgoing messages
Choosing to encrypt all outgoing messages means, in effect, your e-mail is encrypted by default. You can write and send messages the same as with any other e-mail messages, but all potential recipients must have your digital ID to decode your messages.

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click E-mail Security.
2. Under Encrypted e-mail, select the Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages check box.
3. To change additional settings, such as choosing a specific certificate to use, click Settings.
4. Click OK twice.