Table of contents:
We place increasing importance on security and privacy in our communications over the Internet. The encryption of information is key if we handle personal data or confidential documents, something that often happens with email. A first step to prevent the data on our phone from falling into the wrong hands is to encrypt the terminal, and we can also use specific encrypted email applications.
Encrypted emails on iOS and Android
The Swiss encrypted email service ProtonMail has announced its opening to the public and the launch of free applications for Android (you can now download it on Google Play) and for iOS (available on the App Store).
Once the application is downloaded, the procedure to create an account is very simple: you will only have to select a username (which will also be the one used for your email address). Next, ProtonMail will ask you to choose a password to log in and another as a key to access the encrypted messages.
Next, you will have to choose between two levels of encryption, and also "" although it is optional "" you can add a display name and a recovery email. Verification will be required before creating the account, either with a captcha or an alternate email address.
With a little patience, you are already in the application! The welcome tour will show you some keys to understand how it works: functions that are activated by sliding your fingers to the sides, options to classify the mail with colors and categories… The most interesting function, without a doubt, is the possibility of programming a "date expiration date ”for your emails, in such a way that they will be deleted by themselves when the selected date is reached.
Otherwise, ProtonMail's design is very similar to that of other email applications, but with the difference that all communication made through this system is encrypted. To compose a new email, you just have to click on the pencil in the upper right corner, and on the writing screen you can press the padlock to enter a password (the clip is to attach files and the clock to set the expiration date).
Of course, there is the inconvenience of having to create one more email account (and you may already have more than one and more than two), but if you handle sensitive or confidential information, it is not a bad idea to bet on an encrypted email system, especially on a device such as a smartphone or tablet. After all, the risk of loss or theft always exists…
Curiosities about ProtonMail
The founders of the Swiss company ProtonMail are scientists who met at CERN and MIT and who have set out to create encrypted tools so that Internet users have real privacy and security options. Almost two years ago, in May 2014, they launched a "beta" version of their encrypted email, available only through the web version "" in browsers "" and so far only accessible via invitation.
You can download ProtonMail for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Play Store.
