The university's email is secured by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), a commonly used means of encryption for accessing your email. Check your department services to determine the level of security offered.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

Encrypt email from home or while traveling by using the university's virtual private network (VPN). If you use an outside ISP or a wireless connection at home, using the VPN system will prevent others on the network from seeing your traffic. The Rutgers University Office of Information Technology recommends using the Cisco VPN Client which encrypts all communication going out to the Internet from your computer. Never send private/confidential information over the Internet without encryption as your account can be compromised and the information you are sending easily accessible to anyone. Unencrypted information puts you, your department, and the university at risk by allowing your information and password to be read by others.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)

PGP (pretty good privacy) is available as freeware for encryption for email, however, the user should be well versed prior to sending confidential information. PGP encrypts email by matching public keys to user identity so that only the intended recipient can read it. Free versions of PGP are available for noncommercial use. There are also commercial versions, however email is never a truly secure mechanism with which to send sensitive information.
PGP (pretty good privacy)

Depending on choices and systems, other encryption software is commercially available, though not necessarily approved, supported or endorsed by the university: PKI (public key infrastructure); PKware; Devicewall.

Windows 2000 High Encryption Pack

Windows XP Encryption

MAC provides an icon to enable data encryption.