Setting Message Security

To send secure mail, you must attach a digital ID and encrypt the messages. Outlook allows you to secure the e-mail you send so only the intended recipients can read your messages and they have proof that the messages are from you and have not be changed in any way. Encrypting a message ensures that only the intended recipient can read the message. You can digitally sign any message without encrypting it so your recipient has proof that the message is from you. However, you cannot encrypt a message without digitally signing it. The digital signature is the key to an encrypted message. Outlook also provides the options for setting security for information that comes from different sources, or zones, on the Internet.

Set Message Security

Click the Tools menu, and then click Options.

Click the Security tab.

Specify the encryption settings you want to use by default.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

You don't have to set up digital IDs . You probably won't need or want to change your digital security settings. When you acquire a digital ID, these settings are installed for you.

Set Security for Internet Sources

Click the Tools menu, and then click Options.

Click the Security tab.

Click Zone Settings, and then click OK.

Click Default Settings.

Select the Web content zone you want to set security for.

Drag the slider to set the security level.

Click OK, and then click OK again.

See Also

See " Using Digital Signatures " on page 72 for information on digital signatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Obtain a Digital ID?

If you intend to use a digital ID, then you must obtain one. If you are using Microsoft Exchange Server, then you can obtain a digital ID from the administrator of the server. If you are not part of an Exchange Server network, you can also obtain a digital ID over the Internet from a company that provides certification services, such as VeriSign, Inc.; British Telecommunications; and Thawte Certification.