In a recent blog post, Google announced the availability of a beta version of client-side encryption in Gmail for businesses and organizations.CSE enables organizations to encrypt data before it is sent to Google’s servers using their own encryption key.
The beta is only available to customers of Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard.Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a collection of apps and services designed for businesses and organizations. Once enabled, encryption protects data in an email’s body, attachments, and inline images and prevents Google from decrypting that data. The email header, timestamps, and list of recipients will not be encrypted. Encrypted email is especially useful for businesses that want their communications to be secure and private.
“Client-side encryption helps strengthen the confidentiality of your data while also addressing a wide range of data sovereignty and compliance needs,” Google stated in a blog post published on Friday.
When pressed for more information, the company pointed to a 2021 blog post about the importance of client-side encryption, particularly for organizations that store sensitive data or intellectual property.
Google Support Center accepts beta applications until January 20, 2023. Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Frontline, Nonprofits, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, and those with personal Google accounts are not eligible for the encryption beta. This feature is being tested on Gmail for the web only, not mobile.
Google introduced encryption to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for businesses last year.