Businesses rely heavily on email as a mode of communication. Email offers many advantages, including mobility, low cost and reliability. Employees who are out and about may need pertinent information when meeting with clients, and sales associates may need the latest sales reports. In these cases and others, it’s important that email communications stay confidential; therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to implement email encryption. Here are three things you should know about this technology.
What is email encryption?
Email encryption is a technology that disguises and hides data contained within email messages. The purpose of email encryption is to prevent emails from being read by people for whom the message was not intended. People who are authorized to read an encrypted email are usually required to provide authentication details to open the message.
Why is it important to have email encryption?
There are many benefits to encrypting email messages. Without encryption, your emails could easily be read by anyone, including competitors or criminals who want to try and steal from your organization. Encryption also keeps sensitive information hidden, such as social security numbers, bank account passwords and other private data.
Another risk when sending email is that the messages could be intercepted and altered before they reach their destination. Imagine the kind of havoc that could possibly ensue from this scenario. Also, a message could be retrieved by a hacker and sent later with modifications.
Using email encryption is also vital for preventing identity theft. Hackers who gain access to your email can possibly take over your email account and do a variety of damage to your business and personal life.
What types of email encryption are available?
There are many different email encryption options available today. Some of these include Password Protected zip files, hosted email portals and Transport Layer Security (TLS). The most common solution that is used today uses a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). This usually involves a combination of a public key provided to multiple people and a private key that is only known by the sender of the email. However, the best email encryption solution usually is a platform that offers multiple options that suit different requirements.
If your business relies on email for important data communication, it’s crucial for you to understand email encryption. Don’t procrastinate until the unthinkable happens. A breach of email security not only could harm your business and personal life, but it could also impact your customers.
