For University Office 365 email account holders, email encryption provides an additional layer of security when you must send an email containing sensitive data. Email encryption converts the message from readable plain text into scrambled cipher text. Only the intended recipient can view the message, it cannot be read by another party if intercepted or forwarded. This process also encrypts any attachments sent with encrypted messages. 

When should I use email encryption? 

You should use email encryption when transmitting confidential data to any email address that is not an Office 365 yale.edu or ynhh.org address. EliApps (Google Apps for Education) is considered an external service provider. Other examples of external email providers include AOL, Comcast, Gmail, and Yahoo! 

      Important examples of confidential data that should be encrypted when transmitted by email: 

• Social Security numbers 
• Protected health information 
• Clinical trial data 
• Service account passwords 
• Credit card numbers 
• Grades for assignments and courses 
• Trade secrets 
• Disciplinary records 
• Salary and tax records 

How do I send an encrypted email? 

Please see: Microsoft 365: Sending an encrypted email