An encrypted email is a method of protecting the content of email messages from being read by entities other than the intended recipients. Email encryption may also include authentication to ensure that the message is not tampered with during transmission. By default, most emails are not encrypted during transmission, making them readable by third parties such as email providers. Encryption protocols can occur at the transport level or end-to-end. Transport layer encryption is often easier to set up and use, while end-to-end encryption provides stronger defenses but can be more difficult to set up and use.

Email encryption can rely on public-key cryptography, in which users can each publish a public key that others can use to encrypt messages to them, while keeping secret a private key they can use to decrypt such messages or to digitally encrypt and sign messages they send. Email encryption solutions use public-key cryptography and digital signature mechanisms to encrypt email messages, ensuring email security and guaranteeing that only the intended recipient can open the email.

To encrypt an email message, users can use various tools such as Microsoft Outlook, which allows users to encrypt messages with S/MIME certificates. Other email encryption software can be in the form of a client installed on users’ computers, laptops, or mobile devices, which can use policy-based encryption to protect specific email messages or enable users to choose which emails to encrypt, or a combination of both.

In summary, an encrypted email is a method of protecting the content of email messages from being read by entities other than the intended recipients. Encryption protocols can occur at the transport level or end-to-end, and email encryption can rely on public-key cryptography. Various tools such as Microsoft Outlook and email encryption software can be used to encrypt email messages.