About Protected Email

Content

What is the American Express Protected Email tool?

The American Express Protected Email tool provides a secure mechanism for email communication between internal American Express email users and external Internet business email users. The tool allows protection of email messages and attached files in the Internet email channel.

What makes the Protected Email tool secure?

Email messages sent from American Express through this tool are protected with strong encryption and remain protected while stored in the recipient's email inbox. Decryption of the messages does not occur unless the recipient is authenticated using their unique password. Presentation of the decrypted message to the recipient's browser occurs through an SSL Encrypted web session. Replies sent back to American Express through the web-based tool are also protected using SSL Encryption and are secured within the American Express internal network and email environment.

How do I reply securely to a protected email from American Express?

The web page used to present the decrypted email will include 'Reply' and 'Reply To All' buttons. Click on the appropriate button to compose and send a secure reply to the American Express recipient(s). You may attach inline files to the new reply message; however, files attached to the original message will not be included in the reply message.

How secure are protected messages?

The secure email is encrypted with the equivalent of a 1024-bit key. It uses the breakthrough Identity-Based Encryption to ensure the privacy of your personal data without compromising ease of use. Each message is also signed by the sender to ensure authenticity of the sender and data integrity of the message. In addition, all decrypted email messages are viewed through your web browser using an SSL/TLS connection.

How do I save a copy of the secure email reply that I send to American Express?

Whenever a new email is composed and sent through American Express Protected Email tool, the sender will receive a copy of the same protected email.

Using the American Express Protected Email Tool

Can I read my email when I'm not connected to the Internet?

For this current implementation of the new American Express Protected Email tool, the ability to decrypt and view your emails offline will not be available. The tool requires that you log in each time you access the system to read or reply to encrypted emails and the secure session will timeout after a short amount of time for security purposes. An offline capability may be made available in the future.

Am I able to send a protected email using my mobile device?

Yes, you can anytime access the webpage, compose and send a protected email.

Am I able to add recipients to the email reply?

Yes, you may add recipients to the secure email reply.

Am I able to forward the protected email?

Yes, you have the option to securely forward the email. If you forward the protected form of the email from your email client inbox, the recipient might not be able to read the email if you don't have share permissions because that email is not protected for the new recipients.

Am I able to login to the protected Email tool and compose a new email to another American Express recipient or someone outside of American Express?

Yes, you may login to the protected Email tool and compose a message to an American Express recipient. Login using the webpage address in the user guide provided to you by your American Express contact.

If I delete a protected email message in my email inbox, am I able to get it back?

The ability to recover deleted emails from your email inbox is dependent on your email client. Please contact your technical support to determine if that is supported. Another option may be to contact the American Express sender of the original email and request that they resend the encrypted email.

How do I register other email addresses I use or if I change my email address?

If you change your email address or would like to receive encrypted emails from American Express to another email address, call your American Express contact and request that future encrypted emails be sent to the new email address. You will be prompted to complete the registration process in the protected email tool for each new email address used to send you protected email using this tool.

Technical Questions

Where can I get help if I have questions or problems using the tool?

The protected email tool has online help information that can be used at any point by clicking on the Help link. If you need additional assistance, please call or send an email with your question to your American Express contact who will engage the appropriate American Express technical resources to answer your question or solve any problems with the tool.

Does the tool require me to install software on my computer?

A standard Internet browser is the only software required to read and reply to the protected emails using this tool. Browsers will need to support cookies and allow access to secure sites (HTTPs). Current versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari are officially tested for compatibility but other web browsers should work as well as long as they meet the above requirements.