Sending Secure E-mail

E-mail sent normally travels in clear text, this means that just like sending a postcard anyone who can see it can read the postcard. Sometimes we don't want everyone to know what we are writing or forwarding to the people with which we correspond. If you are about to send e-mail which contains personal information or legally protected data that you wouldn't want everyone to read, then you need to protect that information. To protect your e-mail you might want to consider using an e-mail encryption process. Below are links and step-by-step instructions for helping to secure e-mail:

WinZip (evaluation version)

Below are the steps for encrypting e-mail(s) using the Evaluation Version of WinZip:

Step-by-step instructions for sending encrypted files via e-mail using the wizard

• Have WinZip installed on your computer.  (You can use the Evaluation Version for 45 days.)
• Open an Explorer window i.e. My Computer, My Documents, or just Windows Explorer.
• Right click on the file you want to e-mail.
• Around the middle of the short-cut menu you will see WinZip with an ?
• Expand this view by moving your mouse over it.
• Click on the selection Zip and E-Mail Plus…
• The WinZip Wizard will automatically start.  (Enter the WinZip Wizard either by using the purchased version or if you are still in your evaluation period you may use the Evaluation Version.)
• Once you choose the correct version of the software the WinZip – Zip and E-Mail Plus screen will pop-up.
• Select either the default name given xxxxx.zip or enter the file name that you wish to use.
• Check the Encrypt Zip file checkbox and click OK.
• Enter the password that you wish to use for the file.
• Press the Tab key.
• Reenter the password.
• Make sure that the Mask password checkbox is checked.
• Selecting the default Encryption Method is recommended.  (128-Bit AES Encryption)
• Click OK.
• The file will be zipped and encrypted and will open a new message in your e-mail program.

All you need to do at this point is to address the e-mail and call the recipient(s) with the password. ** Note:  The recipient will not be able to open the attachment without WinZip and the password.