check before: 2024-12-15
Product:
Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook
Platform:
Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Outlook for Windows is rolling out S/MIME support for sending and reading signed and encrypted emails. Rollout began mid-December 2024 and will continue through February 2025, excluding DoD for now. No admin action is needed, but users should be informed of the update.
Details:
Updated January 21, 2025: After further review, we will not be rolling this out to DoD during the timeline outlined below. We will communicate via Message center when we are ready to proceed. Organizations in GCC High and DoD can safely disregard this message. Thank you for your patience.
We are rolling out fundamental Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) support for primary accounts in new Outlook. With this new feature, new Outlook will start supporting sending and reading signed and encrypted emails.
In new Microsoft Outlook, this option is available in Options > More Options.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 397891.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out mid-December 2024 and expect to complete by late January 2025.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out early February 2025 and expect to complete by mid-February 2025.
General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will communicate via Message center when we are ready to proceed.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-01-08
updated:
2025-01-24
Public Preview Start Date
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Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new S/MIME features and how to use them, leading to potential miscommunication or errors in email handling.
- roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=397891, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/overview-new-outlook
Increased Support Requests
The rollout may lead to an increase in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new S/MIME functionality.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=397891, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/overview-new-outlook
Email Security Risks
If users are not properly informed about the S/MIME features, they may inadvertently send sensitive information without encryption, leading to security risks.
- roles: End Users, Compliance Officers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=397891, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/overview-new-outlook
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Enhanced Security Awareness Training
With the introduction of S/MIME support in Outlook, there is an opportunity to enhance user awareness and training regarding email security practices. This includes understanding the importance of signed and encrypted emails, recognizing phishing attempts, and properly managing S/MIME certificates.
- next-steps: Develop and implement a training program focusing on email security best practices, including the use of S/MIME. Schedule training sessions and create informative materials to distribute to users.
- roles: IT Security Team, Training Coordinators, End Users
- references: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3534070/what-is-smime-and-how-does-it-work.html, https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/06/02/email-security-best-practices/
Streamlined IT Support Processes
The new S/MIME functionality may lead to an increase in user queries regarding its setup and usage. By preparing IT support staff with the necessary knowledge and resources, the organization can streamline support processes and reduce resolution times.
- next-steps: Create a knowledge base article and FAQs about S/MIME usage in the new Outlook. Conduct training sessions for IT support staff to ensure they are well-versed in the new feature and can assist users effectively.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Managers, End Users
- references: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-create-a-knowledge-base-for-your-help-desk/, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/04/20/how-to-support-your-remote-employees-with-a-knowledge-base/
Optimization of Email Encryption Policies
The introduction of S/MIME in Outlook provides an opportunity to review and optimize existing email encryption policies. Organizations can ensure that their policies align with the new capabilities and improve overall data protection.
- next-steps: Conduct a policy review meeting with relevant stakeholders to assess current email encryption policies. Update policies to incorporate S/MIME usage guidelines and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- roles: Compliance Officers, IT Policy Managers, Legal Team
- references: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3253564/how-to-create-an-email-encryption-policy.html, https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/05/05/data-protection-best-practices-for-remote-work/
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-01-24 | MC Messages | We are rolling out fundamental Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) support for primary accounts in new Outlook. With this new feature, new Outlook will start supporting sending and reading signed and encrypted emails.
In new Microsoft Outlook, this option is available in Options > More Options. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 397891. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out mid-December 2024 and expect to complete by late January 2025. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out early February 2025 and expect to complete by mid-February 2025. General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-February 2025 and expect to complete by late February 2025. | Updated January 21, 2025: After further review, we will not be rolling this out to DoD during the timeline outlined below. We will communicate via Message center when we are ready to proceed. Organizations in GCC High and DoD can safely disregard this message. Thank you for your patience.
We are rolling out fundamental Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) support for primary accounts in new Outlook. With this new feature, new Outlook will start supporting sending and reading signed and encrypted emails. In new Microsoft Outlook, this option is available in Options > More Options. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 397891. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We began rolling out mid-December 2024 and expect to complete by late January 2025. General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out early February 2025 and expect to complete by mid-February 2025. General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will communicate via Message center when we are ready to proceed. |
| 2025-01-24 | MC Title | Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions encryption support in new Outlook for Windows | (Updated) Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions encryption support in new Outlook for Windows |
| 2025-01-24 | MC Last Updated | 01/08/2025 01:24:41 | 2025-01-23T23:41:09Z |
| 2025-01-24 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-01-24 | MC Summary | New Outlook for Windows is rolling out S/MIME support for sending and reading signed and encrypted emails. This feature is accessible in Options > More Options and will not impact organizations not using New Outlook or without S/MIME setup. Rollout is automatic, requiring no admin action but user notification is advised. | Outlook for Windows is rolling out S/MIME support for sending and reading signed and encrypted emails. Rollout began mid-December 2024 and will continue through February 2025, excluding DoD for now. No admin action is needed, but users should be informed of the update. |
Last updated 1 month ago
