How to encrypt messages with Enigmail
We welcome this article about How to encrypt messages with EnigmailHere we will talk about how we can secure our emails using the Enigmail tool. In today's digital age, security and privacy are paramount, and protecting our personal information must be our priority. If we are talking about security in email communications, encryption is a valuable and indispensable tool. Enigmail is a free, open-source security extension that allows users to encrypt and decrypt email messages., adding a layer of security to our virtual communications.
Step by step -- How to encrypt messages with Enigmail»
- Enter your email into the interface. The first step is to open your email where you want to implement Enigmail to encrypt your messages.
- Install the Enigmail extension on your email client. Go to the “extensions” menu and search for “Enigmail”. Click “install” and follow the instructions to complete this step.
- Restart your email client. After installation, close and reopen your email to make sure the extension is properly installed.
- Open Enigmail. Go to the application menu and select “Enigmail”. This will open a new window with configuration options.
- Configure Enigmail. On the left of the Enigmail window, you will find a list of options. Choose “configure” to open the settings screen. Here, you need to select your encryption key.
- Set an encryption key. On the setup screen, click “add key” and follow the instructions to set an encryption key. This key will be the one you will use to encrypt and decrypt your messages.
- Encrypt your messages. For encrypt messages with Enigmail, simply type your message as you normally would. Then, before sending it, click the “encrypt” icon in the Enigmail toolbar. Make sure your encryption key is selected, then click “OK” to encrypt your message.
- Decrypt received messages. When you receive an encrypted message, Enigmail will automatically decrypt it for you, as long as you have the correct key. To do this, simply open the message and Enigmail will ask you for the key. Enter it and the message will be decrypted so you can read it.
FAQ
1. What is Enigmail?
Enigmail is a open source software extension for Thunderbird and SeaMonkey that allows you to encrypt, decrypt and digitally sign email and attachments.
2. How do I install Enigmail?
- Open Thunderbird and click on the 'hamburger' button (the three horizontal lines).
- Select 'Add-ons' and then 'Add-ons' again.
- Search ’Enigmail’ in the search box.
- Once Enigmail appears, click 'Install'.
3. How do I set up Enigmail?
- Go to “Tools” and then to “Add-ons”.
- Find Enigmail and click on 'Preferences'.
- Then go to the 'Settings' tab and make the necessary changes.
4. How do I encrypt a message with Enigmail?
- Open Thunderbird and click 'Compose'.
- Once you have composed your email, go to 'Enigmail'
- Select 'Encrypt'.
- Then simply send your email as usual.
5. How do I decrypt a message with Enigmail?
- Open the encrypted email that you want to read in Thunderbird.
- Go to ’Enigmail’ and select ‘Decrypt’.
- Enter your passphrase and the message will be decrypted.
6. How do I sign a message with Enigmail?
- Open Thunderbird and compose your email.
- Once you're done, go to 'Enigmail'.
- Select 'Sign' and then send your email.
7. Can I use Enigmail with Gmail?
Yes, you can use Enigmail with Gmail as long as you use Thunderbird as your email client. Simply set up Thunderbird to use your Gmail account.
8. What is a public and private key in Enigmail?
In Enigmail, a public key is the one you share with others so they can encrypt messages that only you can read, and a private key is the one you keep secret and use to decrypt messages or sign digitally.
9. How do I generate a new key pair in Enigmail?
- Go to 'Enigmail' and select 'Key Manager'.
- Then select 'Generate', then 'New Key Pair'.
- Follow the instructions to generate your new key pair.
10. How do I share my public key with Enigmail?
- In Thunderbird, go to 'Enigmail' and select 'Key Manager'
- Find your key and right-click on it. Then, select 'Send keys by email'.
- Enter your email address to which you want to send your public key and click 'Send'.