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Why can't I fully password protect my Thunderbird account?

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by christ1

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Hi there,

I have just set up a Thunderbird account to send encrypted emails using my work email address (a gmail account)

I want to password protect my Thunderbird account to prevent people accessing it if stolen (or borrowed).

I have added a Master Password function but you can still see my inbox - this is NOT secure. 

I would send you a screen print to show you - but then I would be sharing this sensitive info.

What is the solution?

Thanks!

Hi there, I have just set up a Thunderbird account to send encrypted emails using my work email address (a gmail account) I want to password protect my Thunderbird account to prevent people accessing it if stolen (or borrowed). I have added a Master Password function but you can still see my inbox - this is NOT secure. I would send you a screen print to show you - but then I would be sharing this sensitive info. What is the solution? Thanks!

All Replies (2)

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katehallam said

Hi there, I have just set up a Thunderbird account to send encrypted emails using my work email address (a gmail account) I want to password protect my Thunderbird account to prevent people accessing it if stolen (or borrowed). I have added a Master Password function but you can still see my inbox - this is NOT secure. I would send you a screen print to show you - but then I would be sharing this sensitive info. What is the solution? Thanks!

So why don't you password protect and encrypt your personal files using the features offered by your OS?

Thunderbird doesn't encrypt its stored mail. Anyone who stole your computer would have access to your filesystem and could copy or examine your stored mail without needing to run Thunderbird.

For privacy, not security, you could look at the Startup Master addon which shows only the password entry window until the Master Password is correctly entered. But you need to be careful to close Thunderbird, or use a password protected screen saver if you leave the computer unattended. So we're back to using the security features provided by your OS.

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