Email Encryption is a process that helps ensure the confidentiality of the contents of email and protects information from being stolen or accessed by unintended recipients. This process temporarily converts sensitive data, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), into unreadable code so that it can be safely transmitted over mail, preventing unauthorized access.
PII includes full or partial social security numbers, driver’s license/government ID numbers, and financial information such as bank account, credit, and debit card numbers. If you send an unencrypted email from your PGCC email account that includes PII, the sensitive information will be blocked from viewing in both the body of the email and in the email attachments.
Note: Special procedures are required to open encrypted email messages.
This knowledge article demonstrates how to open encrypted (secured) PGCC emails in Microsoft Outlook 2016.
Step 1
Double click the attachment entitled: message.html.
Step 2
Click Open.
Step 3
You will be redirected to the PGCC Secure Email Portal. To access the email message, click one of the sign-in options. NOTE: Selecting Sign-in allows you to sign-in with your Owl Link username and password. Selecting Use a one-time passcode is primarily for those without a PGCC email account.
Option 1: Signing in Using Your PGCC Work or School Account
Use this method if you have a PGCC Work or School email account
Step 1
Click Sign in.
Step 2
Click Work or School Account.
Step 3
Enter your Owl Link username and password, and click Sign In.
The encrypted email message opens in the PGCC Secure Email Portal.
Option 2: Signing in Using a One-Time Passcode
Use this method if you do not have a PGCC Work or School email account
Step 1
- Click Use a one-time passcode.
- A passcode will be emailed to you. Note: The passcode will expire in 15 minutes.
Step 2
Enter the one-time passcode, and click Continue.
The encrypted email opens in the PGCC Secure Email Portal.
