Understanding Email Encryption
Learn how encryption protects your messages.
What is Encryption?
Encryption scrambles messages so only recipients can read them.
- 🔒 Protects content
- 🛡️ Prevents tampering
- ✅ Verifies sender
- 🔐 Secures attachments
Types of Encryption
1. TLS (Transport Layer Security)
- ✅ Automatic - No setup needed
- ✅ Standard everywhere
- Encrypts the connection your mail travels over
✅ Encrypted connections with AtrioMail: the recommended mail app settings use encrypted connections (IMAP with SSL/TLS on port 993, SMTP with STARTTLS on port 587), and outgoing mail is handed to Amazon SES over an encrypted connection.
2. End-to-End Encryption
- ✅ Maximum security
- ❌ Requires setup
- Technologies: PGP, S/MIME
End-to-end encryption is something you and your recipient set up in your own mail apps. It is not part of the mailbox itself.
How to Check Encryption
- Look for padlock icon
- Check email headers for TLS
- Verify HTTPS in webmail
Best Practices
- 🔒 Use HTTPS for webmail
- 🔐 Sign in to the control panel with two-factor authentication: it is required there (a code from an authenticator app or a code sent by email). It does not apply to webmail or mail app sign-ins.
- 📧 Avoid sensitive info in email
- 🛡️ Use secure connections only in your mail app settings
Need Help?
Questions about encryption? Contact support through the live chat in the control panel.