Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to encrypt my email and files?

Email and file encryption is a proven approach to protecting sensitive information. In many cases encryption is necessary to ensure you are protecting client or patient information, in other cases because you need to protect intellectual property or other information that is confidential. Aside from the security and confidentiality concerns of using email in day-to-day business, email and file encryption is being adopted by growing numbers of users because of compliance issues. Specifically, legislation such as Sarbanes-Oxley and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have imposed stringent rules on the ways in which personal financial data and health information can be transmitted and shared. Firms failing to comply with these laws face severe sanctions and fines. In addition, the European Union and other international bodies have enacted privacy legislation that is affecting firms doing business overseas. For these reasons a secure email and file capability is now an essential tool for doing business at most publicly traded companies, firms providing health care or financial services, insurance companies, and the professional firms servicing these industries.

The Voltage Security Network addresses such common business requirements as:

  • Complying with HIPAA, SOX, SEC 17a4, SB1386 and security mandates for data privacy.
  • Ensuring that messages are delivered to recipient inboxes.
  • Eliminating parallel data stores of email or user credentials.
  • Ensuring user buy-in through seamless integration with existing infrastructure and ease of use.
  • Streamlining key management and support.

Do I need to worry about regulatory compliance with my email?

Most likely you do, especially if you use email to transmit sensitive data such as personally identifiable health information or financial data such as compensation information. We should note that the ability to conduct business electronically while ensuring compliance with regulations such as GLBA and HIPAA isn't just about avoiding liability. In fact, it opens up a number of business opportunities by fostering faster, lower-cost client and patient communication, and doing away with courier expenses. For clinicians, attorneys, financial consultants and many other professionals, this kind of secure communications channel can add value in many ways-especially when the encrypted email service is easy to use.

Can Large Enterprises use the Voltage Security Network?

Yes. Outsourcing has become a common requirement for large organizations and the Voltage Security Network is the perfect solution to meet this need. "Enterprise VSN" gives an enterprise a unique cryptographic master key and custom branding, policies and configuration that provides the versatility inherent in Voltage Identity Based Encryption(IBE). Voltage also offers Enteprise VSN customers the option of using the VSN Connected Gateway, to enable policy based encryption as email is sent to external recipients.

- Click Here for the Enterprise VSN Datasheet
- Click Here for the Enteprise VSN Presentation
- Contact us for pricing and how to get started

How do I get started with the Voltage Security Network?

Create an account on the Voltage Security Network, download and install the plug-in or use the Zero Download Messenger and you will be sending secure email and encrypting files to anyone you wish in minutes.

The Voltage Security Network supports the following environments:

Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002(XP), 2003 and 2007
or Outlook Express 6.0

Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista

The Voltage Security Network also requires that you have the latest Microsoft service packs and security updates for Windows and Outlook.

You can get the latest updates here:

MS Windows Updates

MS Office Updates

Can I send secure email without Outlook or Outlook Express?

YES! If you don't use Outlook or Outlook Express, you can simply log into the VSN and initiate secure email with the Zero Download Messenger(ZDM) and ANY fully functional browser on ANY platform!

Click Here to log in.

What is the Zero Download Messenger?

The Zero Download Messenger(or ZDM) is an interface that allows subscribers to initiate secure email without the need to install Voltage Security Network software. It also allows your recipients to read your secure email and reply securely.
The ZDM is not a web mail system and does not store/archive any secure email. Messages will only reside in your recipients inbox. The Zero Download Messenger requires that you log in each time you access the system and the session will timeout after a short amount of time for security purposes.
Tip: If you initiate secure email, click the checkbox to send a copy of the message to yourself for your own records.

Where can I get help with using the Voltage Security Network?

The Quick Start page can help you get up and running fast, and our Support Team can provide answers to any questions you may have.

What makes the Voltage Security Network different from other encryption solutions?

Voltage encryption products are so much easier to use than conventional encryption products because they are based on the breakthrough technology known as Identity-Based Encryption. With this technology, the Voltage Security Network provides the most transparent experience for end users. Sending a secure encrypted email is as simple as clicking a button, and messages can be read anywhere, anytime through a browser-based interface.

The Voltage Security Network also doesn't have the overhead or risks of a webmail system. No messages are stored on the service so you and your recipients have complete control over all secure content.

Do my recipients need to install software?

No. When you send an encrypted email, the recipient receives an HTML attachment containing your secure message. When they open it in their browser, they will be able to decrypt and see your email through a secure connection. It's that easy!

If, however, they wish to see their secure mail in their own Outlook or Outlook Express email client, they are welcome to join the Voltage Security Network and install the Voltage SecureMail plug-in.

How does the Voltage Security Network work?

The Voltage Security Network is based on the same technology as Voltage's flagship desktop product: Voltage SecureMail. The only difference is that it's a hosted service, so Voltage provides the hardware and server software infrastructure needed to support the system. For an explanation of how Voltage's breakthrough Identity-Based Encryption technology works, please visit our website at www.voltage.com/technology.

Can I still use my own email software and regular email account?

The Voltage Security Network requires that you use Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, and it works with all standard email accounts. When you download and install the Voltage Security Network plug-in you'll get a "Send Secure" button added to your Outlook (or Outlook Express) interface. To send encrypted email, simply press the button.

If you would like VSN to support other email software or platforms, please send your suggestions to vsn-support@voltage.com

Is Voltage SecureMail compatible with certificate-based PKI?

Yes. Voltage SecureMail allows certificates to be used for signing and encryption in MS Outlook if you have another user's certificate. In the likely instance where you do not have a recipient's certificate, Voltage SecureMail will encrypt using Identity-based Encryption (IBE) and automatically provide you and your recipient with our advanced ad-hoc encryption solution.

How can I be sure that no one else sees the content of my messages?

The Voltage Security Network is a true point-to-point encryption service for email. This means that once you have encrypted a message, it remains unreadable until it is received and decrypted by the intended recipient.

Can IT managers or my ISP see my email?

No. Not even your IT department or ISP will be able to access your messages. Which is why the Voltage Security Network is so valuable to executives and professionals working on sensitive business matters such as mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, new product development or human resource issues.

Is the Voltage Security Network really less expensive than other encryption solutions?

Yes it is because while most encryption offerings are designed and priced for medium and large businesses, the Voltage Security Network is specifically targeted for independent professionals and small- to medium-sized offices. Plus, considering that Voltage Security Network requires little if any training, zero investment in hardware and no certificate-management time, it provides far superior value to traditional encryption products, even other hosted solutions.

How do I use Voltage SecureFile to protect files on my PC?

Voltage SecureFile allows users to transparently secure files on portals and intranets. With just a single click, sensitive business documents that contain patient health information, financial statements or intellectual property can be easily secured to authorized recipients. Once secured, these documents can be exchanged via email, portals and FTP, or stored locally on a desktop or USB token. With the file secured by Voltage SecureFile, the information is always protected no matter where the document travels.

Office 2007 users can encrypt and enforce rights management with the latest release of SecureFile! Click Here to see how!

What can you tell me about Voltage and the company's background?

Voltage Security was founded by a team of computer science experts lead by Dr. Dan Boneh, a leading authority in the field of cryptography and a Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University. The company is backed by many of Silicon Valley's leading venture capital firms, and Voltage SecureMail and our other products are used and trusted by more than 500 organizations around the world, including many Fortune 500 corporations.

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