Google on Friday announced the beta availability of client-side encryption in Gmail for some of its Google Workspace customers.
The feature is meant to improve the confidentiality of emails when they rest on Google’s servers, by applying encryption to the email body and attachments while providing Workspace customers with control over the encryption keys and the identity service used to access the keys.
“Google Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt all data at rest and in transit between our facilities. Client-side encryption helps strengthen the confidentiality of your data while helping to address a broad range of data sovereignty and compliance needs,” Google announced.
The internet giant previously enabled client-side encryption for Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers, for services such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and Calendar (beta).
Now, client-side encryption is also available for Gmail, and those interested in trying it can apply for beta access until January 20, 2023.
To get started, administrators first need to complete a few steps to prepare accounts for the beta. While off by default, the client-side encryption can then be enabled from the admin console.
Once the feature is enabled, end-users can add it to their messages by clicking on a lock icon and selecting additional encryption. Composing messages and adding attachments will work as usual, Google says.
The internet giant has published several resources to help Google Workspace administrators set up and learn more about client-side encryption.
Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Education Fundamentals, Enterprise Essentials, Frontline, Nonprofits, Workspace Essentials, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, and users with personal Google accounts are not receiving client-side encryption in Gmail yet.
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