In most of the applications we use in our daily lives, we can find comprehensive data protection systems, such as end-to-end encryption employed by apps like WhatsApp. However, not all applications are up-to-date when it comes to data protection. Google, for instance, had not implemented the aforementioned system in one of its most recognized and widely used services, Gmail.
About end-to-end encryption, we can indicate that this system involves encrypting our messages from one point of the conversation to the other. This means that the content of the text cannot be read at any point and is only decrypted when it reaches the intended recipient. Well, this is what the technology giant aims to add to the Gmail app for Android and iOS, although there are a few nuances to consider.
Security will soon increase in Gmail
Gmail does use encryption to protect our emails, but this encryption is applied only when the emails are stored on their servers. Therefore, while a message travels from our smartphone to the server, there is a potential vulnerability where someone could conduct an attack to obtain the content of our email. However, performing such an action is not straightforward. Still, having an extra layer of protection is always a good practice.
The system of “client-side email encryption,” which is already available in the desktop version of the app, will soon be introduced to Gmail for mobile devices, both on Android and iOS platforms. With this implementation, emails sent from our mobile devices will be encrypted with their own encryption key. Undoubtedly, Gmail’s security is enhanced thanks to this method.
To use this email encryption, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. This system will appear as a new option when composing a new email in the Gmail mobile app (represented by a shield icon). However, the significant limitation is that, for now, it will only be available for business users. The company administrator will have to configure this option through Google Workspace.
Certainly, this is undeniably good news for the protection of our data and emails. However, it remains to be seen whether this feature will be rolled out comprehensively to all users, as currently, only a select few business users can employ it.
