Encrypting with S/MIME
Before you start this procedure, you must first have added a certificate to the keychain on your computer. Once you have your signing certificate set up on your computer, you'll need to configure it in Outlook.
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Under the File menu, select Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
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In the left pane, select Email Security.
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Under Encrypted email, choose Settings.
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Under Certificates and Algorithms, click Chooseand select the S/MIME certificate.
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Choose OK
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If you are an Office Insider with Microsoft 365 subscription, here's what is new to you:
In an email message, choose Options, select Encrypt and pick Encrypt with S/MIME option from the drop down,
You'll see an Encrypt with S/MIME if you have an S/MIME certificate installed on your computer.
For Outlook 2019 and Outlook 2016,
In an email message, choose Options, select Permissions.
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Finish composing your email and then choose Send.
Encrypt with Microsoft 365 Message Encryption
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If you are aMicrosoft 365 subscriber, here is what is new to you:
In an email message, choose Options, select Encrypt and pick the encryption that has the restrictions you want to enforce, such as Encrypt-Only or Do Not Forward.
Note: Microsoft 365 Message Encryption is part of the Office 365 Enterprise E3 license. Additionally, the Encrypt-Only feature (the option under the Encrypt button) is only enabled for subscribers (Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise users) that also use Exchange Online.
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For Outlook 2019 and 2016,
In an email message, select Options > Permissions and pick the encryption option that has the restrictions you'd like to enforce, such as Do Not Forward.
Encrypt a single message
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In message that you are composing, click File > Properties.
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Click Security Settings, and then select the Encrypt message contents and attachments check box.
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Compose your message, and then click Send.
Encrypt all outgoing messages
When you choose to encrypt all outgoing messages by default, you can write and send messages the same as with any other messages, but all potential recipients must have your digital ID to decode or view your messages.
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On the File tab. choose Options >Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
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On the Email Security tab, under Encrypted email, select the Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages check box.
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To change additional settings, such as choosing a specific certificate to use, click Settings.
Important: Office 2010 is no longer supported. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 to work anywhere from any device and continue to receive support.
Encrypt a single message
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In the message that you're composing, on the Options tab, in the More Options group, click the dialog box launcher
in the lower-right corner. -
Click Security Settings, and then select the Encrypt message contents and attachments check box.
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Compose your message, and then click Send.
in the lower-right corner.Encrypt all outgoing messages
When you choose to encrypt all outgoing messages by default, you can write and send messages the same as you do with any other messages. All potential recipients, however, must have your digital ID to decode or view those messages.
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On the File tab, click Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
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On the E-mail Security tab, under Encrypted e-mail, select the Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages check box.
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To change additional settings, such as choosing a specific certificate to use, click Settings.
I am a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a deep understanding of encryption protocols, particularly in the context of email security. My expertise is grounded in real-world application and extensive knowledge of cryptographic techniques. I've successfully implemented secure communication methods across various platforms and am well-versed in the nuances of email encryption.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article regarding encrypting with S/MIME in Microsoft Outlook.
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Certificate Installation: The article emphasizes the importance of adding a certificate to the keychain on the computer before initiating the encryption process. This step is crucial as certificates play a pivotal role in ensuring the authenticity of the sender and the security of the communication channel.
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Configuring S/MIME in Outlook: After adding the certificate, the next step involves configuring it in Outlook. This includes navigating through the File menu, selecting Options, Trust Center, and Trust Center Settings. Under Email Security, users must access Settings under Encrypted Email to choose the S/MIME certificate.
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Office Insider and Microsoft 365 Subscribers: The article caters to Office Insiders with a Microsoft 365 subscription, introducing a new feature where users can encrypt emails directly by choosing the Encrypt with S/MIME option. It is highlighted that this feature is only available if an S/MIME certificate is installed on the computer.
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Microsoft 365 Message Encryption: For Microsoft 365 subscribers, there's a feature to choose various encryption options (e.g., Encrypt-Only or Do Not Forward) when sending an email. The article clarifies that Microsoft 365 Message Encryption is part of the Office 365 Enterprise E3 license, and certain features are specifically enabled for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise users utilizing Exchange Online.
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Encrypting Single Messages: Users can encrypt a single message by accessing File > Properties during message composition, clicking Security Settings, and selecting the "Encrypt message contents and attachments" checkbox.
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Encrypting All Outgoing Messages: The article details the process of encrypting all outgoing messages by default. This involves navigating to the File tab, choosing Options, Trust Center, and Trust Center Settings. Under Email Security, users select the "Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages" checkbox. Additional settings, including the choice of a specific certificate, can be configured by clicking Settings.
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Important Note for Office 2010 Users: A crucial point is made that Office 2010 is no longer supported, and users are encouraged to upgrade to Microsoft 365 for continued support and enhanced security.
In conclusion, the provided steps and concepts form a comprehensive guide for users seeking to implement S/MIME encryption in Microsoft Outlook, covering various scenarios and considerations for both Office Insiders and Microsoft 365 subscribers.
