|
How Secure Email Works
At ACM, we take our responsibility to protect our insureds' privacy seriously. If
our business rules identify sensitive information in an outgoing message, you will
receive a Secure Message Notification with a link to view your message. First-time
recipients will be asked to create a password before they are granted access.
This method is typically used by users that do not have other methods to transmit
e-mails securely. This method uses a Web browser over an https (SSL) connection.
This method is simple and effective for users with a low volume of e-mail communication
with ACM.
If you are using a public key infrastructure (PKI) e-mail encryption solution, please
send a digitally signed message to encryption@akesocare.com.
It will take about three business days to complete the key validation process. Once
completed, e-mails transmitted to you will automatically be encrypted with your public
key.
This method is typically used by corporations that require frequent e-mail communication
with ACM.
Please visit the IMG Security Center for
more security related information.
|
|
Emails used to appear in my inbox and I could easily open them and respond.
Why do I need to login to a web site to view them?
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACM is committed to secure transmission of your personal information. Logging into
a secure web site is one way in which you can view your e-mails in a manner in which
the contents of the e-mail cannot be intercepted and read by a third party. This
option is intended for individuals / offices that do not intend to invest an encryption
solution.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I do not like the extra time involved logging in to a web site to view e-mails.
Is there a way around this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes. The product that ACM uses not only allows for secure Web based e-mail but also
works with Public Key Infrastructure systems. If you are using a Public Key Infrastructure
e-mail encryption solution, please send a digitally signed message to
encryption@akesocare.com.
It will take about three business days to complete the key validation process. Once
completed, e-mails transmitted to you will automatically be encrypted with your public
key. This will allow for seamless delivery of e-mails that you are accustomed to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Encryption system?
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are numerous ways of encrypting e-mails. The use of PKI is a very popular as
well as the most secure method of accomplishing e-mail encryption. The process works
as follows:
- You apply for a certificate from a third party such as Verisign®, Thawte, etc.
- This third party verifies your identity and issues you a key pair (1 public, 1 private)
- You distribute your public key to anyone who needs to communicate with you in a
secure fashion, but never your private key.
- Parties sending you messages use your public key to encrypt the e-mail they are sending
- You use your private key to decrypt and read the message they have sent you.
ACM has a solution that automates most of the process, allowing for the seamless
delivery and receipt of encrypted e-mails. This means you don’t have to login to
a web site to view messages and you don’t have to worry about manually using your
keys to encrypt e-mails.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We use PGP. Can the ACM system work with PGP?
|
|
|
|
|
|
PGP stands for Pretty Good Privacy and it is not not our preferred method of e-mail encryption.
However, ACM’s system can handle some varieties of PGP. To find out if ACM’s system
is compatible with your PGP, please send an unencrypted e-mail to
encryption@akesocare.com with the contact info of the party responsible
for managing your e-mail encryption. A representative of ACM will contact this party
to find out specifics and determine compatibility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I still don’t understand any of this. Is there someone I can contact?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please send any questions or feedback to encryption@akesocare.com,
or you may use our feedback form here. There
are also numerous articles on the Internet about e-mail encryption, PKI and PGP.
|
|