Thunderbird: E-mail encrypt

To encrypt emails in Thunderbird is not difficult. A simple guide to do this, you will find in this practical tip.

Mails in Thunderbird with Enigmail to encrypt

Especially easy to let Emails in Thunderbird with the Addon of Enigmail to encrypt. It is based on the open source encryption tool GnuPG.

Install the first Add-on Enigmail. Either download it, or navigate in Thunderbird to "tools > Add-ons >Add-ons discover > Enigmail".
After you have started Thunderbird new automatically opens the setup wizard.
You leave all the settings as specified and install GnuPG if you are prompted to do so.
After the Installation, the setup wizard creates your key pair, you can use Emails to encrypt and decrypt. To do this, select the desired E-Mail account. Also, you will be asked to choose a password for the key pair set.
Finally, you will be asked if you want to create a revocation key. This is very recommend, so, if you have forgotten your password, the key invalidation. However be sure, this revocation key in a safe place.
The setup is now finished. In the future, you can sign when you Write email, this and encrypt. To do this, Enigmail circuit has inserted spaces in the Compose window.
You want to send encrypted messages, you need the Public Key of her counterpart. Just as you need To your Public Key, if he wants to write you encrypted.
To Send your Public Keys, there are buttons when Composing e-Mails.
You send however, your Public Key in an unencrypted message, this one can be manipulated by potential eavesdroppers. Safer Delivery at a personal Meeting.

The second variant of the encryption is called S/MIME.

First of all, you need a certificate issued by an official authority. As a private person is free of charge from providers such as CAcert, StartSSL, or StartCom.
Now you need to import the certificate. To do this, in Thunderbird, right-click on your email address, and open the settings.
Under the entry is the last to "S/MIME security". Click on it and select "manage certificates".
Here you can now import your certificate. To do this, select your created certificate as a. p12 file.
Back in the Thunderbird settings, you can select under "Digital signature" and "encryption" of your certificate.
You have completed the settings, you can select when Composing a new Mail, if you want to sign or encrypt.

In Outlook e-mails to encrypt, you can find here.