.P7M File Extension
S/MIME Email Message
| Developer | RSA Data Security |
| Popularity |
3.2 | 157 Votes |
What is a P7M file?
A P7M file is a Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) encrypted or signed email message used to protect sensitive information in electronic communication. It typically contains encrypted content or a digital signature that helps verify the sender's identity. P7M files often appear as email attachments when an email client cannot directly open or interpret the S/MIME message content.
More Information
S/MIME is a widely used standard for email encryption and digital signatures, enabling secure communication by encrypting email messages and ensuring sender authenticity. Businesses and organizations often use this protocol to protect confidential data, such as financial or medical information, sent via email.
Common .P7M Filenames
smime.p7m - The default name for P7M files that arrive as email attachments. They usually contain encrypted email content.
How to open a P7M file
You can open P7M files with an email client that supports S/MIME, such as Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, or Mozilla Thunderbird. Depending on the message format and your email client's configuration, you may need an appropriate S/MIME certificate. If the client cannot display the message correctly, it may show an empty message with an attached P7M file, often named smime.p7m.
You can also open P7M files with Avvia GoSign Desktop (available for Windows and macOS) or the Open P7M File web app. If a P7M file contains an email that is digitally signed but not encrypted, you can read its contents without a private key. However, if the email is encrypted, you need the corresponding private key to decrypt and read it.