Google has announced a new update for Gmail that allows enterprise users to easily send encrypted messages to any inbox with just a few clicks. This new feature eliminates the need for both senders and recipients to use custom software or exchange encryption certificates.

The enhanced encryption feature is currently rolling out in beta, starting with Google enterprise users who can send encrypted emails to other Gmail users within the same organization. Google plans to expand this capability to include emails sent to any Gmail inbox in the upcoming weeks, and eventually to inboxes from third-party email providers later this year.

Unlike the current Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) protocol, which requires multiple steps for secure external email exchanges, the new encryption model simplifies the process. Gmail users can now enable “additional encryption” in the email draft window to send encrypted messages effortlessly.

The new encryption system offers enhanced security compared to Gmail’s default Transport Layer Security. Although technically not end-to-end encryption (E2EE), Google’s client-side encryption provides workspace administrators with control over encryption keys. This allows for user access revocation and the monitoring of encrypted files.