By allowing you to encrypt email using a password known only to you and your recipient(s), Password-Protected Messages (PPM's) are an easy way to securely communicate with people who don't have a StartMail account or a PGP key.
Here's an outline of how it works, with specific steps below:
- Compose an email
- Create a password that your recipient(s) will use to access that email. (We recommend sending this password through another method besides email)
- Your recipient(s) will then receive an email containing a link
- After clicking on the link, they will be asked to enter the password you created, which will allow them to securely read the email you sent
Send a password protected message
1. Compose an email
2. Click on Encrypt
3. Click on the SEND icon
4. Fill out the pop up 'Encrypt with a password' that the recipient will need to enter and click Send encrypted
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- Password: Create a password that only you and your recipients(s) will know. The recipient will use this password to access your message.
- Personal message (optional): This will appear in the recipient's inbox unencrypted. It's a good place to send a hint or to let them know where to locate the password
- Email Notification language: English or German
5. A notification email will be sent to the recipient(s) with your personal message and a URL to access the email on the StartMail servers.
The recipient will be able to read your email once they enter the password you have set.
We recommend sending this password through another method besides email or using something only known by the recipient(s). Recipients can access your message for 28 days.
6. When your recipient replies to a Password-Protected-Message, the answer is also encrypted.