Oddbean new post about | logout
 Proton ftw 
 yes. another privacy focused account on here would probably disapprove of this (i respect that) because they think self-hosting is really the only way to go. i think for most people, proton is far more secure (when used with good opsec) than trying to run their own secure email server. also love #proton + #simplelogin aliases. 
 I self-host everything I can -- I skip Proton Pass so I can self-host Passky. Email is one of the only things I'm not self-hosting because I see Proton as a great option, and the mobile/desktop/web apps are awesome.

Not to say that I might not still self-host my email someday, but it's lower on the priority list now. 🦾 
 well said. and i would add, no tool can save you from bad opsec. 
 Most common email opsec error? 
 not knowing email is not private. 
 Same with proton? 
 yes, if you are not practicing other opsec and are emailing with someone who is not using proton.

"Gmail uses TLS (Transport Layer Security)(new window) to encrypt emails by default. That means your messages are secure while in transit, as long as the recipient’s email service supports TLS. But once they arrive, the privacy of your emails depends on what encryption the receiving server uses."

Gmail also holds the encryption keys to your messages. So it can access them and hand over their contents to third parties, like advertisers or governments.

https://proton.me/blog/how-to-send-encrypted-email-gmail 
 Ha why are earth does gmail need a key?! So glad to be off of the google. Since setting up with proton, ive certainly curbed what im willing to email to someome, assuming they used gmail or outlook unless i know otherwise.  
 🎯