Google has announced an update to Gmail that makes sending encrypted emails easier for enterprise users. This feature, rolling out in beta, requires no custom software or certificate exchanges.

Initially, it will allow users to send encrypted emails within their organization, with plans to extend this to all Gmail users and third-party email providers later this year.

The new encryption system replaces the previous S/MIME protocol, allowing users to enable “additional encryption” directly in the email draft window.

Recipients without S/MIME will access the encrypted message via a guest Google Workspace account, while those with S/MIME will receive it through the existing protocol.

This client-side encryption provides stronger protection than Gmail’s default TLS, with workspace admins able to control encryption keys and monitor encrypted files.

Recent Google developments