Requirements

• Joomla 5.1.3 or later
• PHP as required by your Joomla version
• MySQL or MariaDB
• A working mail setup (System > Global Configuration > Server > Mail Settings) - Secure Messages delivers its links by e-mail

Installing the package

Secure Messages is delivered as a single package: pkg_securemessages_vX.X.X.zip. Install it via System > Install > Extensions > Upload Package File. The package installs four extensions in one go:

• Joomill Secure Messages - the component (backend management and the public pages)
• Secure Messages - Send Form - a site module that shows the public send form in any module position
• Secure Messages - Cleanup - a Scheduled Tasks plugin that removes expired messages (installed disabled; see the Scheduled cleanup article)
• Secure Messages - Action Log - records message activity in the Joomla User Actions Log (enabled automatically)

After a successful installation you see a quickstart screen with direct links to the component options and the create form. The installer also registers the com_securemessages.link mail template (editable under System > Templates > Mail Templates) and creates the database table.

Updates

Updates arrive through the Joomla updater (System > Update > Extensions). Enter your Download Key under System > Update > Update Sites > Joomill Secure Messages to receive them. Installing a newer package over an existing installation is always safe: the installer runs any pending database changes and never overwrites a mail template you edited.

Uninstalling

Uninstall the package under System > Manage > Extensions (select the Joomill Secure Messages package). This removes all four extensions, the mail template and the database table - including every stored message, so export anything you still need first.