---
type: concept
title: STARTTLS
tags: [security, encryption, email]
related: [imap, smtp, central-email-service]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_e_mail_e_mail_einrichten.md"]
---
# STARTTLS

**STARTTLS** is the encryption method mandated by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] for both incoming ([[imap]]) and outgoing ([[smtp]]) email connections. It upgrades an existing insecure connection to a secure one using TLS (Transport Layer Security).

This ensures that communication between the email client and the university servers is encrypted, protecting credentials and message content from interception.