Transmission Encryption (TLS)

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a fundamental cryptographic protocol that ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over the internet. In the context of email, TLS encrypts the connection between mail servers, protecting the content of your messages from being eavesdropped on during their "journey" from sender to recipient.

How does TLS work in email?

When an EmailLabs sending server attempts to deliver your message to a recipient's server (e.g., Gmail), it first tries to establish a secure, encrypted TLS connection. If the recipient's server also supports TLS (which is the standard today), the entire message transmission occurs within an encrypted channel. This works like sending a letter in a secure, sealed envelope rather than on an open postcard.

Why is TLS important?

• Confidentiality: It protects the content of your emails and attachments from being intercepted and read by unauthorized parties while in transit.

• Integrity: It helps ensure that the message has not been altered on its way to the recipient.

• Security Standard and Deliverability: Major mailbox providers (like Gmail, Microsoft, Yahoo) treat TLS encryption as a basic security standard. Sending without encryption is viewed negatively, can lead to messages being flagged as unsafe, and significantly harms deliverability.

TLS Encryption in EmailLabs

EmailLabs servers support and prioritize TLS encryption by default for all outgoing connections (so-called Opportunistic TLS). This means we always attempt to establish a secure connection with the recipient's server.

Additionally, the connection from your application or system to our platform for submitting messages is also secured – we recommend using ports that enforce encryption, such as 587 (with the STARTTLS command) or 465 (SSL/TLS).