Google recently announced the addition of complete encryption to its Gmail platform on the web browser. This new feature is currently in beta and enables users to read and exchange encrypted emails not only within their domain but beyond it as well. According to Google, the body of the email, attachments, and inline images will all be encrypted.
Google stated that its Workspace platform is already utilizing the latest cryptographic standards to safeguard all data both in transit and at rest across its data centers. Client-side encryption, Google adds, further enhances data security and addresses concerns regarding data sovereignty and compliance.
Google has already introduced client-side encryption in several of its apps, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Google Meet, and Google Calendar (beta). However, this new feature is only accessible to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. Applications for the Gmail Secure Client Side (CSE) beta test are being accepted until January 2023.
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Who Can Apply for the Gmail CSE Beta?
Google has limited the beta test of the Gmail CSE feature to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. Personal Google Accounts and other Google Workspace plans such as Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Frontline, Nonprofits, as well as older G Suite Basic and Business customers, are currently not eligible. However, Google plans to release this feature to the public in 2023.
To enable client-side encryption, administrators will need to access the Administration console > Security > Access control of data and encryption on the client side at the organizational unit, domain, and group levels.
Gmail and Calendar App to be Integrated into WearOS
In another development, Google is set to include the Gmail and Calendar apps into WearOS. This means that these apps will soon be available on Google smartwatches like Watch4, Watch5, Pixel Watch, and other Wear OS smartwatches. According to reports, Google is currently testing these two apps on its Pixel Watch and may integrate them into different Wear OS-powered smartwatches.
Benefits of Gmail Complete Encryption
Complete encryption of Gmail on the web browser comes with several benefits. Here are some of them:
Enhanced Data Security
With complete encryption, Gmail becomes even more secure. This feature ensures that your email content, attachments, and inline images are encrypted and cannot be accessed by unauthorized third parties.
Compliance and Data Sovereignty
Client-side encryption addresses concerns regarding compliance and data sovereignty. This is because the data is only accessible to authorized parties with the encryption key, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Greater Privacy
Complete encryption of Gmail provides users with greater privacy. Users can be assured that their emails are secure and that their data is not being accessed or monitored by any unauthorized third party.
Accessible from Anywhere
With complete encryption, Gmail can be accessed from anywhere. This means that users can access their emails, attachments, and images from anywhere without worrying about data breaches or unauthorized access.
