Mailvelope is a browser extension that brings OpenPGP encryption to webmail services. It allows users to encrypt and decrypt messages, create digital signatures and verify signed correspondence without switching to a separate email client.
The extension integrates encryption controls into supported webmail interfaces, including Gmail and Outlook. Other services can be authorised through its configuration. Cryptographic operations are performed on the user’s computer rather than by the mail provider.
Mailvelope uses OpenPGP.js as its default cryptographic backend, with optional integration into a locally installed GnuPG environment. It provides a dedicated interface for managing encryption keys and configuring secure email communication.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Encrypt and decrypt OpenPGP messages directly within supported webmail services.
- Digitally sign outgoing messages and verify signatures on received correspondence.
- Integration with Gmail, Outlook and other authorised webmail domains.
- Dedicated message editor for composing encrypted correspondence.
- Support for encrypting and decrypting email attachments.
- Generate OpenPGP key pairs or import existing keys.
- Guided setup for new users, including key generation and import.
- Key backup interface for saving recovery copies of encryption keys.
- Import and export public and private keys.
- Search for recipients’ public keys through supported keyservers.
- Display pending key lookups while preparing encrypted messages.
- Support for encrypted subject information displayed within message content.
- Optional GnuPG integration through the native messaging interface and GPGME.
- Support for OpenPGP.js operations without requiring a separate GnuPG installation.
- Configurable authorised domains for additional webmail providers.
- Compatibility with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
Website: www.mailvelope.com
Support:
Developer: Thomas Oberndörfer and Mailvelope contributors
License: GNU Affero General Public License v3.0
Mailvelope is written in JavaScript. Learn JavaScript with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Email Encryption Tools | |
|---|---|
| GnuPG | Encrypt and sign data and communication |
| OpenPGP | Authenticating or encrypting data, using public key cryptography |
| Mailvelope | Extension for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox |
| Enigmail | OpenPGP Email Security for Mozilla Applications |
| LibrePGP | Updated specification of the OpenPGP encryption standard |
| Sequoia PGP | Modern OpenPGP implementation with libraries and command-line tools |
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