Encrypted E-mail at TG
Managing electronic information has become a visible and highly regulated activity. Breaches of information and changes in federal and state laws have all changed the way companies handle and transmit information. TG is taking several actions in a continuing effort to ensure that our corporation's data, customer information, and student/parent confidential and personal information remains secure.
To protect the privacy of non-public personal information (NPI) sent via e-mail, TG will secure outbound e-mail messages containing NPI through e-mail encryption, using a Cisco Systems® product. The software is capable of identifying and encrypting e-mail sent from TG that may contain NPI based on parameters set by TG. This includes, but is not limited to, Social Security numbers and account numbers.
How does e-mail encryption work?
E-mail encryption software is designed to protect e-mail messages in one of two ways: by making them undecipherable as they are transmitted over the Internet, or by enclosing the data in a secure 'envelope' which only the recipient can open, using a password.
As modern technology makes it more efficient to conduct transactions over the Internet, more consumers are taking advantage of the convenience. However, unsecured e-mail transmissions can be intercepted, potentially exposing individuals to fraud or identity theft, particularly if the messages include NPI.
Although no approach is error-proof, e-mail encryption significantly lessens the opportunity to intercept e-mail messages containing sensitive or personal information as they are transmitted over the Internet.
How does TG use e-mail encryption?
The recipient of an encrypted e-mail from TG will receive a message in their e-mail inbox with an attachment. The message will have an envelope graphic as well as the TG corporate logo with a block where the recipient may enter a password. In the first encrypted e-mail, there will also be a link to register.
In registering, the recipient chooses a password and security questions, which would be used to help reset the recipient's password in the event the password is ever lost. The Cisco product can also "remember" the recipient's information, making it unnecessary to provide the password when receiving other encrypted e-mails from TG.
The attachment, which is a link to an HTML page with the text of the e-mail, is stored in the recipient's local e-mail account. The e-mail can be forwarded, saved, or printed just like any other e-mail; the text of the attachment can be copied and pasted. Neither the e-mail nor its attachment is stored at TG or on the Cisco Systems servers.
Why has TG elected to use e-mail encryption?
TG remains committed to providing the highest level of customer service, and this includes using available technology designed to protect non-public personal information transmitted via the Internet.
Where can I get more information or assistance?
This page has been created to provide information regarding e-mail encryption and its use at TG. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact TG customer assistance by sending an e-mail message to cust.assist@tgslc.org or by calling (800) 845-6267.
For questions about the Cisco Systems product or use, please visit the Cisco Systems Web site: https://res.cisco.com/websafe/termsOfService.