Protecting sensitive information during email exchanges has become a top-most priority today. This is especially true for professionals on the go.
By recognizing this increasing need for elevated privacy, Google has now come up with a new powerful feature: client-side encryption in the mobile version of Gmail.
What Is Client-Side Encryption?
Client-side encryption is a robust security measure that can transform the way of data exchange in email communication. Here, data is encrypted on the sender’s device before getting transmitted to the recipient’s device.
This means only the sender and recipient can decrypt the data and is inaccessible to everyone, including Google. Therefore, with this feature, users will be adding an extra layer of security while sending emails.
How Does Google’s Mobile Client-Side Encryption Works?
In Gmail’s client-side encryption feature, both the body and email attachments are encrypted before it reaches the recipient. These encrypted emails are usually stored on Google servers, which even Google can’t decrypt. The decryption capability lies only with the intended recipient, who uses a unique encryption key provided by the sender.
Key Benefits of Client-Side Encryption in Gmail
The client-side encryption feature of Google offers a multitude of benefits.
Privacy: No third-party, including Google, can access the encrypted data in the email content, apart from the sender and recipient.
Regulatory Compliance: It enables businesses to comply with data protection regulations, like GDPR and CCPA.
Unauthorized Access Protection: It provides effective protection against unauthorized access. This can happen even in cases where data may be intercepted during transit.
Commitment: It allows businesses to showcase their commitment towards data protection to customers as well as their partners.
How to Enable Client-Side Encryption in Gmail Mobile
To activate client-side encryption, you must configure settings within the Gmail console, especially in the Security section. For this, you will have to follow a simple process: just tap on the lock icon and opt for additional encryption when sending emails via Android or iOS.
Availability and Considerations
This feature is currently accessible to Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard accounts. So, certain functionalities, like multi-send mode, signatures, and Smart Compose, may not be available when you use client-side encryption. You must consider all these factors when implementing this feature.
Thus, by embracing client-side encryption in Gmail mobile, individuals and organizations can significantly improve their email security. This shall ensure that their sensitive information remains protected in the current threat-prone environment.
