SecureMail is an email encryption and attachment security add-in for Microsoft Outlook and Gmail. The add-in applies Information Rights Management (IRM) controls, ensuring only authorized recipients can open attachments. Files remain encrypted and access-controlled during delivery, providing visibility into who has viewed them. Additional security features include optional two-factor authentication for recipients, blocking copy/paste or screenshots on protected documents, and watermarking online previews (for example, with the viewer’s email and a timestamp) to discourage unauthorized sharing.
Because email is ubiquitous but inherently vulnerable, adding encryption and strict access policies is crucial for businesses. This add-in addresses those needs by ensuring attachments cannot be forwarded or copied without permission, helping organizations comply with privacy regulations. Every view or download of a protected file is recorded in an audit log, providing full visibility and control over shared documents.
Versions of Microsoft Outlook Supported:
SecureMail supports both cloud-based Microsoft 365 (Office 365) and on-premises Outlook platforms. For example, it works with the Outlook web app (browser) and desktop clients when connected to Microsoft 365. Supported Outlook versions include:
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Microsoft 365 (Office 365) – Outlook Web (browser), Windows 10 client, and macOS.
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Microsoft Exchange 2016 & 2019 – Outlook Web (browser), Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS clients
Before installing, ensure you have one of these supported Outlook platforms. If you use an older version (like Exchange 2013) or a non-standard email client, the tool may not be compatible.
Versions of Google Gmail Supported:
For Gmail users, SecureMail works through a Google Chrome extension. Supported Gmail environments include:
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Gmail (Chrome browser) – Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS
This means you can use SecureMail when accessing Gmail in Chrome on a supported desktop operating system. Note that SecureMail for Gmail runs only in the Chrome browser on desktop; mobile Gmail apps are not supported. However, recipients can still open protected attachments via a mobile web browser
Getting Started with SecureMail
Installation is straightforward and designed for everyday users. Once set up, a SecureMail option appears in your Outlook or Gmail interface. To add it in Outlook, find the 689Cloud SecureMail add-in on Microsoft AppSource. For Gmail, install the SecureMail extension from the Chrome Web Store.
After installing, the encryption tool integrates into the email composer. Clicking its button while composing a message lets you encrypt attachments and set viewing permissions without leaving your inbox. This process requires no special technical expertise, enabling any user to start protecting files immediately.
Conclusion
SecureMail provides a powerful, user-friendly way to protect email attachments. By integrating encryption and access controls into standard Outlook and Gmail interfaces, it helps organizations secure sensitive information without altering existing workflows. In practice, deploying this solution leads to significantly greater compliance, transparency, and control over shared documents. For example, senders can disable downloading, printing, or forwarding of attachments to prevent unauthorized sharing.
Businesses can also revoke access to a document after sending or set an automatic expiration date on attachments, ensuring they become inaccessible after a certain time. These controls give companies peace of mind, as their data is encrypted, monitored, and accessible only to intended recipients. This makes SecureMail suitable for organizations of all sizes: it enhances attachment security with minimal disruption to daily processes. Additionally, SecureMail helps regulated industries meet strict data protection and privacy requirements by keeping attachments encrypted and tracked at all times.
FAQ
Do I need technical expertise to use SecureMail?
No. The plugin is designed for everyday users and requires minimal setup.
Can SecureMail prevent unauthorized forwarding?
Yes. You have the option to disable downloading, copying, printing, and even forwarding of attachments, depending on the permissions you set.
Does SecureMail work on mobile devices?
Yes. Protected attachments remain accessible via a web browser on mobile devices, even though the extension itself runs only in desktop Chrome.