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Should the e-mail be digitally signed or encrypted?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Owens
  • 36th Communications Squadron
The 36th Communications Squadron Information Assurance office provides guidance on when encryption and digital signature practices are necessary.

Encryption is to be used for: 
  • For official use only -- work schedule, hospital appointment
  • Privacy Act Information -- social security number
  • Personally Identifiable Information -- full name, street address, license plate number
  • Individually identifiable health, Department of Defense payroll, finance, logistics personnel management, proprietary, and foreign government information -- leave and earnings statement information, trade secrets
  • Contract data -- how long, how much, start date, who is competing
  • Export controlled technical data or information -- space projects, military plans
  • Operational information regarding status, readiness, location, or operational use of forces or equipment -- deployment: names, places, dates
Digital signature is for:

  • when the recipient needs to be assured of the senders identity.
  • when recipient needs confidence the message has not been modified or altered.
  • when nonrepudiation is required.
Examples of message content that should be digitally signed include:
  • Formal direction to a government employee or contractor.
  • Messages that stipulate an Air Force official position on any matter.
  • Messages that commit to, authorize or deny the use of funds in some manner.
Note: Messages containing only unofficial information should not be digitally signed.  

To use these features, click on the button labeled "options" in the email that will be sent, then click on "security settings." Click the option(s) desired.

Please remember:

DoD Public Key Infrastructure-based encryption is not authorized for protection of classified information on systems not approved for that use (for example, the Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network, or NIPRNet).

Encryption increases bandwidth and resource requirements; therefore, only use e-mail encryption to protect the information specified within this brief from Air Force Instruction 33-119.

For more information, call the Information Assurance office at 366-6344.