In the age of digital communication, safeguarding sensitive information transmitted via email has become a top priority. Whether it's Personally Identifiable Information (PII), credit card numbers, or bank account details, the need for robust email security measures is undeniable. Company wide policies must first be in place to determine what type of information needs to be encrypted or requires special handling and transmission. For example, PII and bank account details must always be sent using encrypted emails or using encrypted messaging apps like Signal. Confirmation of important changes such as bank account number changes, should always be confirmed by a second method, voice preferably.

Tools

Digital Signatures

Allows users to digitally sign their emails, providing recipients with assurance regarding the sender's identity and the message's integrity. This feature is particularly crucial when dealing with sensitive information that requires verification.

• Message Encryption Also enables end-to-end encryption, rendering the content of the email indecipherable to anyone other than the intended recipient. This ensures that sensitive data, such as PII and financial information, remains confidential throughout its transmission.
• Use A certificate must be added to your email address. The address containing the certificate must be selected in the TO field. Contact your IT department to enable.

End-to-End Encryption

Protecting Messages from Start to Finish End-to-end encryption is a robust security measure that ensures the confidentiality of messages from the sender to the recipient. In this scenario, only the intended recipient possesses the decryption key, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized entities to access the content.

• Zero-Knowledge Providers Some email service providers, often referred to as zero-knowledge providers, implement end-to-end encryption as a default feature. This means that even the service provider cannot access the content of the messages, enhancing the overall privacy and security of sensitive information. One example is ProtonMail.

Alternative Methods

Encrypted Messaging Apps In addition to traditional email encryption methods, leveraging encrypted messaging apps like Signal provides an extra layer of security for sensitive information.

• Signal's Encryption Protocol Signal employs a robust encryption protocol that secures both text messages and multimedia content. It has gained popularity for its commitment to user privacy and its open-source nature, allowing security experts to scrutinize and verify its encryption mechanisms.
• Real-Time Communication Encrypted messaging apps offer real-time communication with the added benefit of self-destructing messages, further reducing the risk of data exposure in the event of unauthorized access. This is a good method to transmit bank account details.

Conclusion

Securing sensitive information transmitted via email is a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of encryption methods tailored to the specific needs of the user. Whether opting for the widely adopted S/MIME, implementing end-to-end encryption, or leveraging encrypted messaging apps like Signal, the key is to prioritize the confidentiality and integrity of the data being shared. By adopting these advanced encryption measures, individuals and organizations can fortify their email communications, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from potential security threats.