EMailVerschlüs

**EMailVerschlüsselung** (English: Email Encryption) refers to the process of securing electronic mail communications by encoding the content of emails so that only authorized recipients can read them. This method protects sensitive information from unauthorized access, interception, or tampering during transmission over unsecured networks like the internet.

The primary goal of email encryption is to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. Confidentiality ensures that only intended recipients can decipher the message, integrity verifies that the email has not been altered during transmission, and authenticity confirms the sender’s identity. Common encryption standards used in email include **PGP (Pretty Good Privacy)** and **S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)**, both of which employ public-key cryptography.

PGP relies on a pair of cryptographic keys: a public key, which can be freely shared, and a private key, kept secret by the owner. Recipients use the sender’s public key to encrypt messages, which can only be decrypted with the sender’s private key. S/MIME, on the other hand, integrates with email clients and uses digital certificates issued by trusted certificate authorities to authenticate senders and encrypt emails.

Implementing email encryption requires users to manage keys and certificates securely. While encryption enhances security, it can also introduce complexity, as recipients must possess the correct decryption keys or certificates. Additionally, some email providers offer built-in encryption features, simplifying the process for users who may not be technically inclined.

Despite its benefits, email encryption is not universally adopted due to usability challenges and the need for coordination between senders and recipients. Organizations handling sensitive data, such as financial institutions or healthcare providers, often mandate encryption to comply with regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA. Overall, email encryption remains a critical tool in safeguarding digital communications.