Tip of the Week: Activating Self-Destruct in a Gmail Message

We’ve all received those emails that have some level of sensitive data in them, and we’ve all sent our fair share of them as well. However, one almost has to wonder—how secure is this data as it sits around in someone’s inbox?

Fortunately, Gmail has a feature that allows you to address these fears by scheduling a time for these emails to be deleted automatically, while also barring them from being shared.

Confidential Mode in Gmail

Gmail’s Confidential Mode basically gives the user the capability to set an expiration date for the emails they send. Plus, you can even lock your message behind a passcode that can be shared via text to the intended recipient.

Using Confidential Mode

With the Compose window pulled up, look next to the Send button for a little icon that looks like a padlock and clock. This is the button that toggles confidential mode. Clicking it will pull up a window in Confidential mode.

This window will let you set your message’s expiration date, ranging from one day to five years, and the aforementioned passcode. Setting the passcode will prompt you to provide your own phone number and the one you want your code shared to.

If you’re using your mobile device, you can compose a confidential email by opening the three-dot menu and selecting Confidential mode, setting your preferences accordingly.

While this all can help boost your email’s security, it won’t necessarily guarantee it, of course.

If you want to find out more tips and tricks to make the most of the IT your business relies on, reach out to Walsh IT Group at (832) 295-1445.