Using an encrypted software program allows you to protect any confidential emails.
How it works:
The process requires encryption; this entails taking the plaintext of the email and scrambling it, so it won't be legible if intercepted. In order for the recipient to read the email, it must be decrypted by using a password (or key).
Figure 1.
Network Associates - Introduction to Cryptography
1. iSafeguard Freeware 6.2 - This program can safely secure your files and e-mails. It uses a strong encryption and digital signature. Supports the following e-mail clients: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, Gmail, Juno Mail, Lycos Mail, Eudora Webmail, Brinkster WebMail. It also supports Text, RTF and HTML e-mails.
2. HushMail - This is a Web-based email service that uses a Java applet to encrypt and decrypt messages. It is able to encode emails using a 1024 bit public key encryption. E-mails attachments are also encrypted.
3. SafeExpress - It is the free version of a commercially available product. The features are the same, but an ad window is added. This software is an e-mail client that is easy to configure and features automatic e-mail encryption and anti-spam filters.
4. Flexcrypt free - This software allows users to encrypt e-mails as well as text, files, MSN and ICQ communications.
5. Sbwave - This program allows users to send and receive encrypted email via a web form. It requires no software to install. It also doesn't have users sign up for anything and does not place ads in the e-mails.
Remark: Each link contains information that is pertinent to the software. Read before downloading and installing.
Other useful but less popular free email encryption programs:
- Izemail 1.7 - Available at izecom.com. It encrypts and sign emails just by pressing the Send button in the email program.
- TextKrypt 1.1 - Available at paradox-industries.com. It allows the secure sending of plaintext emails through Outlook Express.
Try: GPGMail - contains no encryption coding; instead, use PGP keys to be able to encrypt/sign a message.
Try: GnuPG - a tool for secure communication that allows encryption and decryption of documents.