Privacy and security are critical when sharing information online, especially when sending email. This medium, being one of the most used to share data, becomes the main objective of cybercriminals who seek to steal personal information through phishing techniques.
Aware of this growing concern among users, Google has implemented a feature in its email service, Gmail, that allows you to send and receive messages confidentially. But what exactly is this feature and how does it work?
Gmail Confidential Mode is a tool that provides an extra layer of security and privacy when sending emails. One of its main aspects is the ability to set an expiration date for the sent message, after which the recipient will not be able to access it once the time has passed, as it automatically self-destructs.
Besides, It is possible to protect the email message with a password that must be entered to access its content. It is important to note that when using this function, the options to forward, copy, print or download the message, as well as attachments, are disabled.
However, it is important to mention that Google warns about possible vulnerabilities, where anyone can screenshot or take a photo of the message, actions that could compromise your security.
Additionally, end-to-end encryption is not available, which means that some information could be intercepted before reaching Google servers.
Despite these limitations, Gmail’s confidential mode remains a useful tool for adding an extra layer of security to emails sent through the platform. If you want to try this function, below are the steps to follow.
How to send a confidential email in Gmail
- The first step is to click the button Writewhich is located in the upper left corner.
- Now, in the lower right corner of the window, look for the lock icon and press to activate the function Change confidential mode.
- The next step is Set expiration, where you can select 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and up to 5 years. Choose the time you want.
- If you want your email to be password protected as an additional security measure, you can click SMS password. Recipients will receive an access code via text message to open confidential email.
Now, to open a confidential email, where you are the recipient, is quite easy. To do this, go to the Gmail side menu and select the folder Received. Look for the email and, depending on whether the message is password protected, you have to verify your identity through the code that will be sent to your phone.
When you enter this code you will have access to the email for the established time, once this period ends the message will automatically self-destruct.
Gmail confidential mode is a useful tool to protect sensitive information in your emails. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and use it with caution.
Especially since recipients could take screenshots or photos of the content or use software to copy the content. But even so, it is still a very complete function to protect all your messages.