397891 – Outlook: Support S/MIME in the new Outlook for Windows

Outlook logo

*For this entry exists the more relevant or more recent entry MC974362

check before: 2025-01-01

Product:

Outlook

Platform:

US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

MC974362

Details:

New Outlook for Windows will support S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail extensions) signing and encryption. All new and existing S/MIME configurations will work without any explicit action from admins. The feature was already available for Web and now we are extending its availability to New Outlook. #newoutlookforwindows

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-05-25

updated:
2025-02-04

Public Preview Start Date

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

- Impact on IT Operations
- Potential increase in support tickets related to S/MIME configuration and usage
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
- Need for monitoring and adjustments in email security policies to accommodate new S/MIME functionalities
- Roles impacted: IT Security Administrators, Compliance Officers
- Possible integration issues with existing email clients or third-party applications that do not support S/MIME
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Managers, Application Support Teams

- Impact on IT Services
- Enhanced email security may require updates to training materials and user documentation
- Roles impacted: IT Training Coordinators, Documentation Specialists
- Increased load on email servers due to encryption/decryption processes, potentially affecting performance
- Roles impacted: IT Infrastructure Engineers, Network Administrators
- Dependencies on other email-related services (e.g., archiving, backup solutions) that may need updates to support S/MIME
- Roles impacted: IT Service Managers, Backup Administrators

- Impact on IT Users
- Users may experience a learning curve with new S/MIME features, leading to temporary productivity loss
- Roles impacted: End Users, Department Managers
- Potential confusion regarding the use of S/MIME for signing and encryption, necessitating user training sessions
- Roles impacted: End Users, IT Training Coordinators
- Increased trust in email communications due to enhanced security, which may lead to changes in communication practices
- Roles impacted: All Employees, Team Leaders

References:
- Microsoft Documentation on S/MIME: [Microsoft S/MIME Overview](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/security-and-compliance/smime/smime-overview)
- Outlook New Features Announcement: [Outlook New Features](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/whats-new-in-outlook-for-windows/)

Opportunities**

- Enhanced Security for Sensitive Communications
- Opportunity: Implement S/MIME for all users to ensure secure email communications, particularly for departments handling sensitive information (e.g., Legal, Finance, HR).
- Roles Benefiting: Legal, Finance, HR, Compliance Officers.
- Reference: Microsoft documentation on S/MIME implementation and benefits for secure communications.

- Streamlined IT Administration with Automatic Configuration
- Opportunity: Leverage the automatic configuration of S/MIME in the new Outlook to reduce the administrative burden on IT staff, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.
- Roles Benefiting: IT Administrators, IT Operations Managers.
- Reference: Insights on how automated configurations can improve IT efficiency from industry reports.

- Improved User Experience with Enhanced Email Features
- Opportunity: Educate users on the benefits of S/MIME for email security, leading to increased adoption and better user experience. This can also reduce the number of security incidents related to email phishing.
- Roles Benefiting: All users, particularly those in customer-facing roles or those who frequently handle confidential information.
- Reference: User training resources on S/MIME and its advantages for email security from Microsoft and cybersecurity experts.

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here


A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.



change history

DatePropertyoldnew
2025-02-04RM StatusRolling outLaunched
2025-01-23RM Cloud Instance TagsDoD, GCC High, Worldwide (Standard Multi-Tenant), GCCWorldwide (Standard Multi-Tenant), GCC
2025-01-18RM StatusIn developmentRolling out
2024-11-26RM ReleaseNovember CY2024January CY2025
2024-09-27RM ReleaseSeptember CY2024November CY2024
2024-09-27RM PreviewOctober CY2024
2024-06-19RM Release PhaseGeneral Availability, PreviewGeneral Availability
2024-06-19RM PreviewSeptember CY2024-;

Last updated 1 week ago

Share to MS Teams

Login to your account

Welcome Back, We Missed You!