Encryption capabilities

[ewthompson]

All-

I am interested in encrypting my web based email messages and the data I place into forms while surfing public WIFI spots. I know the onboard software can encrypt FILES on my computer, but can it encrypt the above referenced items? Also, is there any advantage to my using ZoneAlarm vs Windows firewell while utilizing the public WIFI?

Thank you,

EWT

[Steve007]

What's so important that it needs encrypting? If you're that concerned about security then stop using e-mail altogether as it's about the least secure means of communication going!

[ewthompson]

Nonetheless, I am aware there are stand alone programs which will give you the capability to send encrypted web mail. Does the thinkpad have this capability straight from the factory?

EWT

[K. Eng]

Please post softwrae related questions in one of the software forums. The T series forum is not a general forum.

[ewthompson]

K ENG:

I have a T43 and was unsure whether all thinkpads have the same encryption software loaded factory-state.

Does anyone have any insights regarding my question?

Regards,

EWT

[ewthompson]

What's so important that it needs encrypting? If you're that concerned about security then stop using e-mail altogether as it's about the least secure means of communication going!

My groups does not have a VPN. I'm concerned about sending sensitive business information. We are located in different areas- email is the most convenient method of communication, however, encryption is necessary.
Can the thinkpad achieve this?

EWT

[ewthompson]

I copied this from IBM's site:

Help verify the integrity of e-mail and online commerce
The Embedded Security Subsystem works with third party digital certificates45 and uses industry-standard support libraries (MSCAPI and PKCS #11) to work with Microsoft® and Netscape® e-mail and browser programs45. The subsystem is certified Entrust® Ready to help protect the authentication, encryption and decryption keys used with its e-mail and PKI-enabled applications.

Embedded Security Subsystem Client Security Software provides Lotus Notes users with the capability to digitally sign and encrypt their email securely, through the chip. Users can also utilize enhanced authentication through use of a pass phrase or optional solutions including fingerprint, smart card46 and/or proximity badge.

I ordered the Lotus Notes software. I am wondering if the encryption will work for a recipient who is not using the same Lotus Notes email...ideas?

[kaplanfx]

Nonetheless, I am aware there are stand alone programs which will give you the capability to send encrypted web mail. Does the thinkpad have this capability straight from the factory?

EWT

What you are looking for I think is a freeware program called PGP (pretty good privacy) a quick web search led me to http://www.gamers.org/~tony/pgp.html but there are many others.

-kaplanfx

[ewthompson]

Nonetheless, I am aware there are stand alone programs which will give you the capability to send encrypted web mail. Does the thinkpad have this capability straight from the factory?

EWT

What you are looking for I think is a freeware program called PGP (pretty good privacy) a quick web search led me to http://www.gamers.org/~tony/pgp.html but there are many others.

-kaplanfx

Thank you for your reply. I likely will go that route..I just wanted to know what the thinkpad had on-board already.

[Vaporware]

Hey there,

To encrypt e-mail PGP is a very good choice, but there are some things to keep in mind.

First, it is freeware for personal use but the corporate edition costs money. The good part is that the corporate edition incorporates PGP Disk which will allow you to too file system encryption.

Second, the person you are sending the encrypted e-mail to will also have to have PGP.

PGP is a true Asymmetric encryption system with a public key escrow.

let me know if you need more info.

-Vapor

PGP certified engineer

[ewthompson]

Vaporware, I appreciate the info


EWT