Google has released the source code for a new Chrome browser tool on Tuesday to provide an easier way for its users to encrypt email.

The Internet giant has announced a new browser extension called End-to-End that will let users encrypt their email when it is sent until it is decrypted by the recipient. The tool will also make it easier for users to read encrypted messages received from other mail services, according to The New York Times.

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This announcement could make it more difficult for the National Security Agency (NSA) to snoop around people's emails. End-to-end email encryption tools require a high level of technical expertise and force government agencies and cyber attackers to hack the computer directly or obtain a secret court order to read the encrypted messages.

The End-to-End will not take effect immediately, as Google has only released the open-source code of the tool's early draft to allow cryptographers and engineers to check it for loopholes and mistakes. The company launched the Vulnerability Reward Program, an initiative that rewards security researchers with cash if they locate security bugs in the tool.

According to Google, 40% to 50% of emails sent from Gmail to other email services are not encrypted. Comcast spokesman Charlie Douglas said the firm has entered an encryption testing phase with big sites and email providers and is planning to activate encryption with Google in a few weeks.

Google published the End-to-End announcement on the Google Online Security Blog, describing the new extension as a tool designed for users who need more security on top of the one already provided by the company.

The firm also said that the extension will become available in the Chrome Web Store once they have determined that it is "ready for primetime." By then, everybody will be able to send and receive encrypted emails using their web-based email service.

In addition, Google acknowledged that this kind of encryption will most likely be used by users sending "very sensitive messages." The company reiterated that the End-to-End extension will help users obtain extra security measure whenever they need it.

Tagsemail, encryption, Chrome, End to end, NSA, cyber snooping, online security, browser