Question:

As a systems administrator for mental health professionals with basic tech skills, I’ve successfully implemented encryption for our communications. However, I’m concerned about the security of sensitive data on Microsoft Exchange. I’m seeking an email solution that supports IMAP and allows for easy troubleshooting by the users. It should be secure, with support for Security Tokens and OTP, and capable of storing large volumes of emails. Ideally, it should be free for both private and commercial use. Can you recommend a reliable, privacy-focused email service that fits these criteria, and possibly suggest any burner email services for additional security?

Answer:

1.

Proton Mail

: Renowned for its strong encryption and privacy features, Proton Mail offers user-friendly apps for all devices and supports IMAP. It’s a reliable choice for those who prioritize security and privacy.

2.

Mailfence

: This service provides a secure and customizable email experience. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with other OpenPGP email services.

3.

Mailbox.org

: An affordable German email service that offers a suite of features along with email encryption, making it a good option for professional use.

Free Services for Private and Commercial Use:

1.

Zoho Mail

: Zoho Mail is targeted at professionals and ensures privacy. It also integrates well with other Zoho applications like chatting, notes, and calendar.

2.

Tutanota

: Tutanota offers a secure email service for free, focusing on privacy and simplicity. It’s suitable for both individuals and businesses.

Burner Email Services:

For additional security, especially when handling sensitive communications, burner email services can be useful. These services provide temporary email addresses that can be used to protect your main email account from spam and phishing attempts.

1.

EmailOnDeck

: This service is fast and free, allowing you to create temporary emails for various transactions, enhancing your online privacy.

2.

ProPrivacy

: Lists several disposable email services that are intuitive and secure, providing temporary addresses to divert spam away from your personal and work accounts.

When choosing an email service, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your organization, including the volume of emails, the level of tech literacy among users, and the importance of privacy and security. The services listed above offer a range of features that can cater to these needs while ensuring that sensitive client data remains protected. Remember to also educate your users on best practices for email security to complement the use of these services.