Encrypting an email makes sure only the people you send it to can read it. Use it for messages that contain private information, such as health, financial or other confidential details. Recipients can read encrypted messages whether they're at Davidson or use another email service like Gmail.
Choosing an Option
Before you start, decide which kind of encryption you need:
- Encrypt (called Encrypt-Only on Mac): recipients can read, reply and forward. The message stays encrypted wherever it goes.
- Do Not Forward: the same as Encrypt, but recipients also can't forward, print or copy the message.
The Davidson College – Confidential and Davidson College – Confidential View Only options only work for people at Davidson. Recipients outside the college won't be able to open messages sent with those options.
How to Encrypt a Message
Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web
- Start a new email.
- Select the Options tab, then select Encrypt.
Don't see the Options tab? Select … (More options) in the message toolbar, then select Encrypt. - Choose Encrypt or Do Not Forward (see Choosing an Option above).
- Write your message and select Send.
Outlook for Mac
- Start a new email.
- In the menu bar at the top of your screen, select Draft, then Encrypt.
- Choose Encrypt-Only or Do Not Forward (see Choosing an Option above).
- Write your message and select Send.
Confirming encryption
A banner at the top of the message confirms that encryption is turned on.
Replying to a message? If you're replying in the reading pane, open the reply in its own window to see all the options.
What Recipients See
- People at Davidson open the message normally.
- People outside Davidson get an email with a red Davidson College banner and a Read the secure message button. They sign in with their Google or Microsoft account, or request a one-time passcode by email, and can then read the message and reply securely.
If someone isn't expecting a secure message from you, let them know it's coming so they don't mistake it for a phishing attempt.
Getting Help
If you don't see the Encrypt option, or a recipient can't open your message, contact T&I at ti@davidson.edu.