How to Tell an Outlook Email is Encrypted

Outlook: How to Tell If an Email Is Encrypted

 

Before You Begin:

  • You must have access to your UofL email account.
  • Encryption indicators may look different for UofL and non-UofL recipients.

Objective or Task:

Identify if an email message is encrypted in Outlook.

Instructions:

From a UofL Entity to a UofL Entity

  1. Preview the Message in Outlook

    • Look for a red circle with a red horizontal line to the left of the message preview. This icon indicates the email is encrypted.

  2. Read the Message

    • When you open the email a notification will appear above the body of the message stating that the message is protected or encrypted.

From a UofL Entity to a Non-UofL Entity

  1. Open the Encrypted Email

    • The recipient will see a message indicating the email is encrypted and a Read the Message button.

  2. Access the Encrypted Message

    • Click Read the Message. A new browser window will open.

  3. Sign In or Use a One-Time Passcode

    • The recipient can choose to sign in with their email provider (e.g., Google, Yahoo) or select Sign in with a one-time passcode.
    • If using a passcode the recipient will receive an email from Microsoft Office 365 Message Encryption with the subject line Your one-time passcode to view the message.
    • Enter the 8-digit passcode from the email into the browser window and click Continue to view the encrypted message.


       

Outcome:

After following these steps you will be able to recognize when an email is encrypted in Outlook, whether you are a UofL user or an external recipient.

Further Readings:

Need Additional Help

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