Email is Not Private
Standard email is like a postcard - anyone handling it can read it. Your ISP, email provider, and anyone intercepting traffic can see your messages.
Gmail Scans Everything
While Google claims not to use email content for ads, automated systems still process every message.
Encryption Methods
| Method | Type | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| PGP/GPG | End-to-end | High (manual setup) |
| S/MIME | End-to-end | Medium (certificates) |
| Secure Providers | End-to-end | Low (built-in) |
| TLS | In-transit only | Automatic |
Secure Email Providers
Easiest solution - use a provider with built-in encryption:
- ProtonMail - Swiss-based, zero-knowledge encryption
- Tutanota - German, encrypted calendar too
- Mailfence - Belgian, OpenPGP support
- Skiff Mail - Web3/crypto friendly
PGP/GPG Setup
For maximum control, set up PGP:
- Thunderbird - Built-in OpenPGP support
- Mailvelope - Browser extension for webmail
- GPG4Win - Full suite for Windows
- GPG Suite - For macOS Mail app
Key Exchange Challenge
PGP requires exchanging public keys with recipients. Key servers or direct exchange needed.