OU IT offers message encryption which allows users to send secure emails. It is recommended that message encryption be used when sending sensitive data.
The following methods are acceptable for encrypting OU email messages and are not case-sensitive:
- OUHSC [secure] or {secure} or (secure) or <secure> or [encrypt] or {encrypt} or (encrypt) or <encrypt>
- OU [ouencrypt]
When an encrypted email is received, the recipient's ability to view the e-mail will vary based upon email account type and then encryption method selected:
Email Type and Encryption Methods
Non-OU Mail User - [SECURE] Encryption
If your e-mail account is not on the @ou.edu or @ouhsc.edu domain (i.e. @gmail, yahoo, outlook, etc..), and the sender utilized [SECURE], open to view your e-mail and use the "click here" link to read your message.
You will be asked to create an account to read secure email. Enter your information and also enter the Validation Code that was e-mailed to that same address.
Once complete, you will then be able to view the encrypted email that has been mailed to you.
If you need to access the encrypted mail again, you will need to log back in using the email address that was mailed to and the secure mail login password you created (note this is not your normal OU mail password). If you have forgotten your secure mail login password, you may use the Forgot Password link to create a new password:
Mail User with Microsoft Account [OUENCRYPT]
If your e-mail account is not on the @ou.edu or @ouhsc.edu domain (i.e. @gmail, yahoo, outlook, etc..), is not also a Microsoft account and the sender utilized [OUENCRYPT], then one may open to view your e-mail and use the "Read the message" button to read your message.
After the web page loads, you will be asked to either sign in or enter a passcode.
- Please note that some email services may offer Office 365 Message Encryption integration, which may allow you to access the mail directly by signing in with your email account again and agreeing to the service.
- Alternatively, please choose the "Sign in with a One-time passcode" option to be sent a second email with a validation passcode. Enter the code to view the sender's mail.
@OU.EDU and @OUHSC.EDU Mail User [OUENCRYPT] or [SECURE]
If your e-mail account is on the @ou.edu or @ouhsc.edu domain and the sender utilized [OUENCRYPT] or [SECURE], then one may open to view your e-mail. No additional action will need to be taken.
@Outlook.com User with Microsoft Account [OUENCRYPT]
If your e-mail is an @outlook.com Microsoft account, then mail sent to you with [OUENCRYPT] will be immediately readable in your Inbox. No additional action will need to be taken.
