Self-destructing email
Self-destructing email definition
A self-destructing email is an email that is designed to disappear or become inaccessible after a certain period of time or after it has been read by the recipient. The goal of self-destructing emails is to provide an extra layer of security and privacy for the sender.Typically, a self-destructing email is sent using a specialized email service or application that offers this feature. The sender can set a timer for the email to self-destruct after a few days, hours, or immediately after the recipient has read it.The self-destruct feature can help to protect sensitive or confidential information in the email. It can also prevent the email from being forwarded, copied, or shared. However, self-destructing emails are not foolproof and can be screenshotted, and more tech-savvy users may be able to restore them, so they should not be considered a fool-proof solution for secure communication.
Self-destructing email use cases
- Confidentiality. Self-destructing emails can help ensure that sensitive or confidential information is not accessible for an extended period. This can be especially important for emails that contain legal documents, medical records, or financial information.
- Security. Self-destructing emails can help lower the risk of cyberattacks. If an email is set to self-destruct after a certain period of time, it is less likely to be intercepted.
- Compliance. Some industries have regulatory or legal requirements for managing confidential information. Self-destructing emails can be a way to ensure that these requirements are met.