Voltage Security Network
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need to encrypt my email and files?
- How do I use Voltage SecureFile to protect files on my PC?
- Do I need to worry about regulatory compliance with my email?
- Can Large Enterprises use the Voltage Security Network?
- How do I get started with the Voltage Security Network?
- Can I send secure email without Outlook or Outlook Express?
- What is the Zero Download Messenger?
- Where can I get help with using the Voltage Security Network?
- What makes the Voltage Security Network different from other encryption solutions?
- Do my recipients need to install software?
- How does the Voltage Security Network work?
- Can I still use my own email software and account?
- How can I be sure that no one else sees the content of my messages?
- Can IT managers or my ISP see my email?
- Is the Voltage Security Network really less expensive than other encryption solutions?
- Can other people in my office use the Voltage Security Network? What would that cost?
- What can you tell me about Voltage and the company's background?
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?
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
Then just subscribe to the Voltage Security Network, download and install the plug-in and
you will be sending secure email to anyone you wish in minutes.
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!
The "VSN Login" link can be found at
http://vsn.pccav.com/login.
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
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.
Can other people in my office use the Voltage Security Network? What would that cost?
They sure can. Annual licenses for individual users start at 65.00 USD for SecureMail or SecureFile and 85.00 USD for both. And, the Voltage Security Network is upgradeable to our full enterprise edition if and when you need a larger deployment.
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.