How Proofpoint Email Encryption Works
Automatic, AI-triggered AES 256-bit encryption for sensitive email — no manual steps for your team. Included with Advanced and Professional plans.
🔐 Plans that include encryption:
Encryption Process Overview
All outbound emails are routed through Proofpoint's cloud service where AI analyzes content for sensitive data like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or banking information. When detected, emails are automatically encrypted and delivered through a secure portal.
🔐 Encryption Standard
AES 256-bit encryption with ECDSA digital signatures
⏱️ Message Expiration
Encrypted messages expire after 15 days
🌍 Global Availability
Available in both US and EU regions
📧 Reply Encryption
Responses delivered securely to your inbox
11-Step Encryption Workflow
Sender composes email with a trigger word such as private in subject line and clicks send
Email sent to Proofpoint cloud service over TLS
AI analyzes content for sensitive data
If no sensitive content, email proceeds with standard routing
If sensitive content detected, email wrapped in encryption
Message stored in secure encryption portal
Sender receives confirmation: 'Your email was encrypted'
Recipient receives notification with secure portal link
Recipient accesses portal (one-time registration required)
Recipient reads encrypted message securely
Reply sent back to original sender via TLS
Email Encryption FAQ
Common questions about how Proofpoint Essentials encrypts sensitive email.
Which Proofpoint Essentials plans include email encryption?
Email encryption is included in the Advanced ($5.37/user/month), Advanced+ ($5.87), Professional ($8.14), and Professional+ ($9.42) plans. It is not available in the Business or Business+ tiers. Proofpoint uses AES 256-bit encryption and automatically detects sensitive content.
How does Proofpoint automatically know which emails to encrypt?
Every outbound email is routed through Proofpoint's cloud service, where AI scans the content for sensitive data such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or banking information. When sensitive content is detected, the email is automatically encrypted and delivered through a secure portal — no action required from the sender beyond composing the message normally.
Can I limit email encryption to only certain users?
No. Email encryption is domain-wide on Proofpoint Essentials — you cannot select just a handful of users. The encryption service applies to all users within your domain.
How long do encrypted messages stay available to recipients?
Encrypted messages expire after 15 days. Recipients access them through a secure portal that requires a one-time registration, and replies are routed back to the original sender over TLS.
Ready to Encrypt Your Sensitive Email?
Add encryption to any Advanced or Professional Proofpoint Essentials plan
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