Email Encryption
Email encryption is a process to encode, or scramble, an outbound email so that only those recipients with the "key" (code) can unscramble and read the message. Encryption is a security measure preventing message content from being read by hackers if it is intercepted before it reaches its destination.
Outbound email containing private information that is sent to email addresses outside the ECU network should be encrypted.
Users required to email private information outside the ECU network (to Vidant Health Center, for example), need encryption enabled for their Exchange account.
Once enabled, outbound messages are encrypted using one of two methods, depending on the email client: Entourage or Outlook/Piratemail. Messages sent from ECU account to ECU account (within the ECU network) do not need to be encrypted.
To begin sending encrypted email, call the IT Help Desk 252.328.9866/800.340.7081 to enable your account.
For detailed instructions, see the PDF step-by-step.
Method 1. Subject Tagging - Entourage
Type the words, [sendsecure] anywhere in the subject line of an email. Be sure to include the brackets.
Each message in a secure (encrypted) conversation—replies, forwards, etc.—must be tagged individually.
Method 2. Sensitivity Enabling - Outlook and Piratemail
Set the Confidential flag in Outlook.
Outlook 2007
- In Outlook, open an email message.
- Click the Options tab on the top menu bar.
- To the far right on the menu bar, in the More Options section, click the diagonal arrow at the bottom to show Message Options.
- The Message Options dialog box opens. Set the Sensitivity to Confidential.
Outlook 2010
- From the email's toolbar, click the Expand Tags button.
- The Properties dialog box opens.
- Set the Sensitivity to Confidential.
Piratemail
- From within the email, click the Options... button on the toolbar.
- In the Message Options dialog box, set the Sensitivity to Confidential.
Each message of a secure (encrypted) conversation—replies, forwards—must be encrypted individually.
