Lecture Notes: Private and Secure Email Providers

Introduction

• Searching for "private email" yields spam and misleading results.
• Major providers (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) are not secure.
• Importance of treating emails like letters in envelopes for privacy.

Security Issues with Major Providers

• Emails are sent like postcards, visible to hackers and advertisers.
• Encryption is against the business model of major tech companies.
• Ethical email providers do not require personal data in exchange for service.

Guide to Private Email Providers

• Aim to provide options for secure email accounts.
• Features to consider when choosing a provider:
  • Free basic account creation
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Anonymous sign-up
  • Additional features like domain ownership, cryptocurrency payment, mobile apps, etc.

Key Concepts in Email Encryption

• Asymmetric encryption uses two keys: private and public.
• Public key is for sending encrypted messages; private key is for decryption.
• Identity verification through digital signatures with public/private keys.

Private Email Providers Reviewed

1. Tutanota

   • Free and open source, based in Germany.
   • No personal information required for sign-up.
   • Basic option offers 1GB free.
   • No IMAP support; plans to add PGP support.
   • User-friendly interface, supports anonymous account creation.

2. Mailfence

   • Based in Belgium, supports OpenPGP for manual key exchange.
   • Requires verification email for sign-up.
   • Offers additional features like calendar and document storage.
   • Accepts cryptocurrency for payments.

3. Disroot

   • Offers various services, not just email.
   • Supports third-party mail clients via POP/IMAP.
   • Focuses on users needing encryption (e.g., journalists, activists).

4. ProtonMail

   • Developed by scientists from CERN and MIT, based in Switzerland.
   • Easy sign-up process with several anonymous options.
   • Offers 500MB of storage for free, two-factor authentication.
   • Accepts Bitcoin for payments.

Conclusion

• All services aim to enhance privacy and security in email communication.
• Users should choose based on their specific needs and preferences.
• End-to-end encryption is important for protecting against government surveillance.

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