Tag Archive for: Zixmail

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3 Email Encryption Options for Google Apps

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Security KeyIn the Google Apps ecosystem, we see three primary players with integrated email encryption services.

  • ZixMail
    • A comprehensive message encryption service that includes user tagging of messages for encryption and heuristics and business rules to auto-encrypt. ZixMail also includes the ZixGateway of other ZixMail users, enabling automated end-to-end secure communications.
  • Google Apps Message Encryption (GAME)
    • A private-label of Zixmail run in Google’s data center. GAME uses the ZixMail encryption engine and services, matched to the email rules capability of Gmail.

 

  • Virtru
    • An encryption-in-place service that integrates with Google Apps which runs in the Chrome Browser, Outlook on Windows desktops, and on mobile devices. Virtru includes features such as forwarding blocks and email expirations. Data loss prevention rules for HIPAA compliance are available at an additional cost.

To learn more about these solutions in depth, read our new eBook: Email Encryption in Google Apps.

Email Encryption is Not Compliance

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Security Key
While providing a reasonable level of protection from inappropriate access to your data, the built-in encryption is not sufficient to meet information privacy regulations. Laws such as the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), and industry regulations including the Personal Card Information (“PCI”) standards require more than data encryption.

Privacy laws and regulations typically include three components:

  1. Policies and procedures that, when followed, provide appropriate data protections
  2. A means to monitor compliance, with the ability to detect and mitigate potential violations of the policies and procedures
  3. A defined response and resolution procedure in the event of a breach

As explained in our eBook, Email Encryption in Google Apps, Technology can support the implementation of these three components, but does not offer a full solution on its own.

Contact us to assess your email encryption needs and to define an affordable solution.

 

Expanding HIPAA Accountability

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HIPAA Logo
As more businesses provide health care coverage, or assist employees in obtaining coverage, under the Affordable Care Act, we find ourselves possessing and managing even more sensitive personal information about our employees.  And, while we are not working with medical records, per se, we are often exposed to insurance account and activity information that cannot be disclosed.

Communications with your insurance broker or carrier should be secure — from end to end.

The good news is that you have options.

  • Policy-Based TLS Encryption
    • If your broker or carrier is willing to share some technical info, you can setup policy-based TLS encryption that will forcibly encrypt all emails between your email service and theirs.
    • They will likely need you to prove, or certify, that you encrypt data from your email service to your end users on every platform.
    • Policy-Based TLS Encryption is part of Google Apps, but not every email service is capable.
    • This is the lowest cost, but most technical solution.
  • Manual Encryption Tools
    • Third party apps, like Virtru, let users encrypt email messages before they are sent.
    • They are inexpensive and easy to use, and can also track when messages are opened or forwarded.
    • They are NOT foolproof, as they depend on users knowing what must be encrypted and remembering to do so — every time.
    • This is the lowest cost solution, but most susceptible to an accidental breach.
  • Automated Encryption Tools
    • Integrated email encryption solutions, like Zixmail, give users the ability to flag messages for encryption.
    • They also use heuristics to scan all email traffic, identifying those that should be encrypted and doing so automatically.
    • While slightly more expensive, these tools effectively monitor policy compliance and mitigate your risks.

Select the type of encryption solution you need, based on how your business operates and who is responsible for keeping information private.

 

Unlike many providers, we offer each type of email encryption service on a per-user basis. Most businesses have a limited number of staff working with sensitive information; we can provide these users with encryption services. Our approach provides the protection you need and respects your budget and priorities. Contact us to learn more.