Gain extra security for your sensitive emails by migrating them to Gmail's Client-side Encryption.

Looking to add an extra layer of security to your sensitive emails in Gmail?  

Great news! Google Workspace recently expanded its Gmail Client-side Encryption (CSE) to support migrating emails encrypted with S/MIME from other services. 

This means you can now seamlessly import your existing encrypted messages 

into Gmail CSE, keeping them confidential and compliant.

Why Migrate to Gmail CSE?

Gmail CSE offers end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the recipient with the decryption key can access the message content. Google itself can't decrypt these messages, providing greater control over your data privacy. This is especially valuable for organizations dealing with sensitive information like healthcare records, financial data, or intellectual property.

How to Migrate Securely

The migration process involves a few key steps:

Setting Up Gmail API and CSE: This initial step requires your admin to configure Gmail accounts with the same S/MIME certificates used in your current service (e.g., Microsoft 365).

Migrating Your Emails: Once Gmail is configured, you can use the Gmail CSE Migration Utility. This tool allows you to import your S/MIME encrypted emails directly into Gmail CSE.

Important Considerations

Currently Encrypted Messages: If your existing emails are encrypted with a non-S/MIME format, you'll need to decrypt them first using your original vendor's tools. Then, you can use the Gmail CSE Migration Utility to encrypt them again for import into Gmail CSE.

Third-Party Tools: For Virtru users, there's a dedicated migration utility to help you encrypt plain-text archives from Virtru Vault or Takeout before importing them into Gmail CSE.

Benefits of Secure Migration

By migrating your existing encrypted emails to Gmail CSE, you gain several advantages:

Simplified Workflow: Manage all your emails, including the most sensitive ones, within a single platform – Gmail.

Enhanced Security: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with end-to-end encryption and control over your decryption keys.

Improved Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements for data privacy and security with a robust encryption solution.

Ready to Migrate?

If you're a Google Workspace admin considering migrating your organization's encrypted emails to Gmail CSE, consult Google's Workspace Admin Help for detailed instructions on  setting up Gmail API, user configuration, and the migration process itself https://support.google.com/a/answer/14743409?hl=en.

By following these steps and considerations, you can securely migrate your existing encrypted messages to Gmail CSE, ensuring the confidentiality and control of your sensitive data.

Thank you for reading our blog, please do share and share your thoughts in the comment section