Overview
To safeguard sensitive information, Syracuse University recommends utilizing Outlook's built-in encryption feature. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to send encrypted emails and attachments, ensuring your sensitive documents are protected from unauthorized access.
On This Page
Send an Encrypted Email in Outlook
Compose a New Email
- Access your Outlook on sumail.syr.edu and compose a new email by clicking on the "New Mail" (
) icon. - Continue to compose your email as you normally would with the recipient's email address, subject, and the included message.
Attach Documents
- The encryption will cover both the documentation being sent as well as the message itself.
- Click the "Attach File" button (
) and select the document you wish to send from your computer or OneDrive.
Encrypt the Email
- In both Outlook on the web at sumail.syr.edu and in New Outlook for desktop clients, you will see the encrypt icon in the upper right of the new message page.
- Click the shield icon in the upper right and choose "Encrypt" from the provided drop down menu.
- A field will appear above the send icon to indicate a level of sensitivity has been set.
Send the Email
- After selecting the appropriate level of restrictions, you are free to finish composing your email.
- Click "Send" to securely transmit your encrypted email message and attachment(s) to the recipient.
Additional Guidance
What happens when my message is encrypted?
When you apply a sensitivity label, the label information will persist with your file or email, even as it is shared between devices, applications, and cloud services. Not all apps on all platforms support the same behavior, so the exact results of applying a sensitivity label may vary slightly between receiving clients.
Recipient Access
Recipients of encrypted emails will receive instructions on how to open the encrypted message. This may involve signing in with their Syracuse University email account or receiving a one-time passcode.
Encryption Indicators
Encrypted emails will be marked with an encryption icon, indicating that the content is secured.
Getting Help
For support of the information above, contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315-443-2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.
Faculty and staff are highly encouraged to begin support by contacting their academic or administrative support personnel.
Additional learning about encrypting messages can be found on Microsoft Learn: Learn about encrypted messages in Outlook.com