Digital Signature Requirements of the Department of Defense

signature image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com Use of a digital signature provides an element of security for email communications.The Department of Defense has some secure requirements relating to digital signature requirements for email. A digital signature provides assurance to the email recipient that no one has tampered with an email. An email with a digital signature also provides proof of delivery to the sender of the email. On an email toolbar, the digital signature icon is an envelope with a red seal on it.EmailAll DoD employees should digitally sign any email they send that has a link or an attachment. As well, the DoD requires employees to use a digital signature when they send certain other emails that contain sensitive information. This includes email that provides direction, responds to requests asking for resources, that discusses contract or finance matters or discusses personnel management topics.EncryptionIn addition to digital signatures, the DoD expects employees to encrypt some email that contains sensitive information. This provides an additional level of security for the email. The email encryption icon is an envelope with a blue lock on it. For instance, the policy of the U.S. Navy is that employees sending emails that have information subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) should encrypt it. If an employee sends emails containing information that could personally identify him, such as his Social Security number, he needs to encrypt that too. The U.S. Navy also requires employees to encrypt emails that contain sensitive information that has 'for official use only' status. The DoD expects that this additional layer of security will prevent third parties from intercepting its email.DoD SystemsThe DoD's digital signature requirements apply to all unclassified email that employees send from a system or account that the DoD owns, controls or operates. This includes desktop and laptop computers, as well as mobile devices such as BlackBerries. References United States Navy: Digital Signatures on Email now a DoD Requirement Photo Credit

signature image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com