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Encrypted Emails with PGP

PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is a data encryption method that provides strong privacy and authentication for your email communication. BlueMail now supports PGP directly, allowing you to manage keys, encrypt, decrypt and sign messages within the app.

Sending Encrypted Messages

  1. Obtain the Recipient’s Public Key

    • To send an encrypted message, you must have the recipient’s public key. BlueMail allows you to import and manage keys directly in the app.

  2. Encrypt the Message

    • When composing an email, BlueMail will automatically use the recipient’s public key—if available—to encrypt the message before sending.

Receiving Encrypted Messages

  1. Provide Your Public Key

    • Share your public key with anyone who wants to send you encrypted messages. BlueMail can export your public key for easy sharing.

  2. Decrypt the Message

    • When you receive an encrypted email, BlueMail will detect it and prompt you to decrypt it using your private key stored securely within the app.

Key Management

  1. Separate Keys for Signing and Encrypting

    • For best security practices, it is recommended to maintain separate keys for signing and encrypting. BlueMail supports managing multiple keys.

  2. Associate Keys With Your Email Address

    • Ensure your email address is properly linked to your PGP keys. BlueMail uses this association to determine the correct key for encryption and signing.

Common Issues

  1. Key Not Found Error
    • A “Key not found” error typically means the message was not encrypted with your public key or your private key is missing. Importing or restoring the correct key resolves the issue.

Best Practices

  1. Regularly Update Keys

    • Keep your keys up to date and backed up. Set expiration dates and rotate keys periodically.

  2. Use Strong Passphrases

    • Protect your private key with a strong passphrase. BlueMail will require this passphrase when decrypting or signing messages.

  3. Verify Public Keys

    • Always verify public keys through a trusted channel to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks.

Using PGP within BlueMail ensures secure and private email communication without relying on external tools. By following these guidelines, you can confidently send and receive encrypted messages and maintain strong control over your digital privacy.