SOME Gmail users can access a lesser-known email feature that lets them send sensitive information in a more secure way.
Google’s confidential mode is easy to use, you just need to find the right hidden symbol when you’re composing your email.
GettyGoogle has an important confidential mode for Gmail[/caption]
The tech giant explains: “You can send messages and attachments with Gmail’s confidential mode to help protect sensitive information from unauthorised access.
“You can use confidential mode to set an expiry date for messages or revoke access at any time.
“Recipients of the confidential message will have options to forward, copy, print and download disabled.”
You may have been sent a confidential email.
They stand out because you can only see the message and attachments until it expires or the sender removes your access.
You’ll also notice that the copy, paste, download, print, and forward features will be disabled on that email.
Sometimes you have to enter passcode to see a confidential email and the sender should provide you with this.
If you want to use Gmail’s confidential mode to send an email, start by clicking “Compose” as you would for any other email.
A symbol that looks like a clock and a lock appears to the bottom right of the new window.
Click it and then select an expiry date and passcode.
Then, click “Save” and type your email as normal.
If you can’t see the symbol, it may be because you’re using it at work or school.
In this case, the administrator would need to enable your access to the confidential mode for you.
Google has also warned users about the limitations of confidential mode.
It says: “Although confidential mode helps prevent the recipients from accidentally sharing your email, it doesn’t prevent recipients from taking screenshots or photos of your messages or attachments.
“Recipients who have malicious programs on their computer may still be able to copy or download your messages or attachments.”