Encrypted Email Services & Gmail
Which Should You Use
5/30/2024
Introduction to Email Security
Let's face it, email has become part of everyday life for many people. Ever increasing concerns regarding privacy and data breaches means choosing the right email service is more important than ever before. We'll compare some pros and cons of paying for encrypted email services versus using a popular, free services like Gmail. Read on!
*Undatti does not receive compensation from any company discussed in this post.
Pros of Paid Encrypted Email Services
Encrypted (E2EE) email services are designed with security and privacy as a priority. Following are a few advantages of opting for a paid, encrypted email service:
Strong Security: Paid encrypted email services offer end-to-end encryption. E2EE (end-to-end encryption) helps ensure that only the intended recipient can read the content of your messages.
Privacy Protection: Unlike free services that may scan your emails for advertising purposes, a paid encrypted service prioritizes user privacy. A paid email service won't sell your data and it is not used for marketing or sold to third parties for profit.
Customer Support: Paid services usually offer dedicated customer support and also provide technical assistance with issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Additional Features: Many encrypted email services offer additional security features. Some of these may include the likes of secure file storage, password protection for emails or self-destructing messages. All of which enhance overall security.
Cons of Paid Encrypted Email Services
While paid encrypted email services come with many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Cost: Paid encrypted email services require a subscription fee, which can be a deterrent for some users given there are free alternatives available.
The All Dreadful Learning Curve: Some encrypted email services may have a steeper learning curve compared to more widely-used platforms like Gmail. Less tech savy users might need to familiarize themselves with the additional security features and settings offered by a paid service. However, once you learn how to use the additional settings and features it's like riding a bike, you never forget.
Potential Compatibility Issues: Encrypted email services might not be as widely compatible with other email providers or third-party applications. This can potentially cause an inconvenience when communicating with users of non-encrypted services.
Pros and Cons of Using Gmail
Gmail is probably the most popular email service used in the world today. And it's well known for the user-friendly interface and easy integration it provides with other Google services. Following are some pros and cons of using Gmail.
Pros:
Free to Use: Gmail is free and provides a ton storage space. This alone makes it accessible to a broad audience without any financial commitment.
Integration with Google Services: Gmail seamlessly integrates with other Google services such as Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Docs, ultimately enhancing productivity and convenience.
User-Friendly Interface: Gmail's interface is intuitive and easy to use, with features like search functionality, filters, and labels to organize emails efficiently.
Cons:
Privacy Concerns: Gmail has been criticized for scanning emails to deliver targeted advertisements, raising privacy concerns for users who prioritize data security.
Limited Encryption: Gmail does offer some level of encryption, but it doesn't provide E2EE (end-to-end encryption) by default, and this leaves emails potentially vulnerable to interception.
Google Ecosystem: Relying on Gmail means being tied to the Google ecosystem. This may not be an ideal scenario for users who prefer to keep their digital activities separate from one another.
Conclusion
So which type of email service should you choose? Ultimately that is for the individual to decide. If security and privacy are paramount, investing in a paid encrypted email service could be worthwhile. However, if convenience, integration, and cost are more significant factors, Gmail remains a popular and reliable choice. Ultimately, the decision should align with your individual requirements and the level of security you need for your email communications.
Keep in mind that using email with no encryption is like having your postal mail delivered to your house with the envelope un-sealed, already open. Who knows how many people have read your personal mail before you have even received it!