---
type: source
title: "Groupware: Encrypting Emails with S/MIME"
tags: [email, encryption, smime, groupware]
related: [smime, groupware]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_groupware_module_email_smime_emails_vers.md"]
---

# Groupware: Encrypting Emails with S/MIME

This source provides instructions on how to encrypt emails using the web-based Groupware E-Mail module at the Universität Greifswald.

## Key Requirements for Encryption
To encrypt an email via the Groupware module, two conditions must be met:
1. The sender must have their own certificate imported into the Groupware system.
2. The sender must possess the recipient's public certificate.

## Certificate Acquisition and Management
The system utilizes **asymmetric encryption**, meaning the recipient's public key is required to encrypt the message. 
- **Acquisition**: The Groupware module automatically detects signed emails. A user obtains a recipient's certificate by receiving a digitally signed email from that person.
- **Management**: Users can view and delete stored public certificates by navigating to **Additional Options (⋮)** $\rightarrow$ **Public S/MIME Certificates** in the email message list toolbar.

## Operational Workflow
- **Execution**: When composing a new email, encryption is activated via **Additional Options** $\rightarrow$ **Encrypt with S/MIME**.
- **Recommendation**: The URZ strongly recommends that encrypted emails also be digitally signed to allow the recipient to verify the sender's identity.
