How to Use Mailvelope: Send secure emails

Mailvelope is an open-source browser extension that enables users to encrypt and decrypt emails using the OpenPGP standard. It works with popular webmail services like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and others. Here’s a guide on how to set up and use Mailvelope:

Step 1: Install Mailvelope

1. Install Mailvelope Extension:
   • Go to the Mailvelope website or search for "Mailvelope" in the Chrome or Firefox extension store.
   • Install the extension in your browser.

Step 2: Generate or Import Keys

To use Mailvelope, you need to have a PGP key pair (public and private keys). You can either create a new key pair or import an existing one.

a. Generate a New Key Pair

1. After installing Mailvelope, click on the Mailvelope icon in your browser toolbar.
2. Select Options from the menu.
3. In the Mailvelope settings page, navigate to Keyring > Generate Key.
4. Enter your Name, Email address, and choose a Password (optional but recommended for better security).
5. Click Generate.
6. After a few moments, your key pair will be generated, and you'll be able to see it in the Keyring section.

b. Import an Existing Key Pair

1. If you already have a PGP key pair, you can import it.
2. Go to the Keyring tab in the Mailvelope settings.
3. Click Import Keys and paste the PGP keys or upload them in a file format like .asc or .gpg.

Step 3: Encrypting Emails

Once Mailvelope is set up, you can use it to encrypt and send emails securely.

1. Open your webmail (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) and start composing a new email.
2. You should see a Mailvelope icon (a small lock icon) in the body of the email where you can enter your message.
3. Click the Mailvelope icon. This will open the Mailvelope editor window.
4. Write your email in the Mailvelope window.
5. When you’re ready to encrypt, click Encrypt.
6. Mailvelope will ask you to choose the recipient's public key. Make sure you have the recipient’s public key in your keyring. If not, you’ll need to import it.
7. Once the message is encrypted, Mailvelope will insert the encrypted text into your email's body in the webmail.
8. Send the email as usual.

Step 4: Decrypting Emails

When you receive an encrypted email, decrypting it is straightforward with Mailvelope.

1. Open the email in your webmail account.
2. You’ll see a Mailvelope icon appear over the encrypted content.
3. Click the icon, and Mailvelope will automatically attempt to decrypt the message using your private key.
4. If the email is encrypted with your public key, Mailvelope will prompt you for your password (if your private key is password-protected).
5. Once decrypted, the message will be displayed in the browser.

Step 5: Managing Keys

You may need to share your public key with others so they can encrypt messages to you, or you might want to import their keys to send them encrypted messages.

1. Export your public key:
   • Go to Mailvelope > Options > Keyring.
   • Click the Export button next to your public key and send it to your contacts.
2. Import other public keys:
   • If someone sends you their public key, you can import it by going to the Keyring section and using the Import button.

Security Tips

• Back up your private key: Store a secure backup of your private key in case you lose access to your current device.
• Use strong passwords: If you protect your private key with a password, make sure it is strong and unique.
• Keep your keys safe: Only share your public key with others. Never share your private key.

Let me know if you need help with any specific step or additional guidance on using Mailvelope!

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