International Medical Group

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How Secure Email Works

Secure Internet Email:

At IMG, we take our responsibility to protect our insureds' privacy seriously. If our business rules identify sensitive information in an outgoing message, you will receive a Secure Message Notification with a link to view your message. First-time recipients will be asked to create a password before they are granted access.

This method is typically used by users that do not have other methods to transmit e-mails securely. This method uses a Web browser over an https (SSL) connection. This method is simple and effective for users with a low volume of e-mail communication with IMG.

PKI Encryption

If you are using a public key infrastructure (PKI) e-mail encryption solution, please send a digitally signed message to encryption@imglobal.com. It will take about three business days to complete the key validation process. Once completed, e-mails transmitted to you will automatically be encrypted with your public key.

This method is typically used by corporations that require frequent e-mail communication with IMG.

Please visit the IMG Security Center for more security related information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	Emails used to appear in my inbox and I could easily open them and respond. Why do I need to login to a web site to view them?

A:	IMG is committed to secure transmission of your personal information. Logging into a secure web site is one way in which you can view your e-mails in a manner in which the contents of the e-mail cannot be intercepted and read by a third party. This option is intended for individuals / offices that do not intend to invest an encryption solution.

Q:	I do not like the extra time involved logging in to a web site to view e-mails. Is there a way around this?

A:	Yes. The product that IMG uses not only allows for secure Web based e-mail but also works with Public Key Infrastructure systems. If you are using a Public Key Infrastructure e-mail encryption solution, please send a digitally signed message to encryption@imglobal.com. It will take about three business days to complete the key validation process. Once completed, e-mails transmitted to you will automatically be encrypted with your public key. This will allow for seamless delivery of e-mails that you are accustomed to.

Q:	What is a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Encryption system?

A:	There are numerous ways of encrypting e-mails. The use of PKI is a very popular as well as the most secure method of accomplishing e-mail encryption. The process works as follows: You apply for a certificate from a third party such as Verisign^®, Thawte, etc. This third party verifies your identity and issues you a key pair (1 public, 1 private) You distribute your public key to anyone who needs to communicate with you in a secure fashion, but never your private key. Parties sending you messages use your public key to encrypt the e-mail they are sending You use your private key to decrypt and read the message they have sent you. IMG has a solution that automates most of the process, allowing for the seamless delivery and receipt of encrypted e-mails. This means you don't have to login to a web site to view messages and you don't have to worry about manually using your keys to encrypt e-mails.

Q:	We use PGP. Can the IMG system work with PGP?

A:	PGP stands for Pretty Good Privacy and it is not our preferred method of e-mail encryption. However, IMG's system can handle some varieties of PGP. To find out if IMG's system is compatible with your PGP, please send an unencrypted e-mail to encryption@imglobal.com with the contact info of the party responsible for managing your e-mail encryption. A representative of IMG will contact this party to find out specifics and determine compatibility.

Q:	I still don't understand any of this. Is there someone I can contact?

A:	Please send any questions or feedback to encryption@imglobal.com. There are also numerous articles on the Internet about e-mail encryption, PKI and PGP.