Using Email Encryption

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]

New Mail message with ouencrypt example in Subject line


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:

@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.

This message is encrypted text on example email

 

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.

Read the message button example

After the web page loads, you will be asked to either sign in or enter a passcode.

Sign in to view the message example

  • 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.

 

Mail User [SECURE]

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.

Click here to read your message example email

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.

Secure email account registration page

Once complete, you will then be able to view the encrypted email that has been mailed to you.

 

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