XCLN: How to Send Encrypted Mail to a User in Another Org

ID: Q197974

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

With Microsoft Exchange Server version 5.5 Service Pack 1, the Key Management Server now supports X509.V3. Using Outlook 98, users that are enrolled in Exchange Server 5.5 Advanced Security can use their X509.V3 certificate to send encrypted mail to users in a different organization, which is also using X509.V3 certificates.


MORE INFORMATION

To allow the sending of encrypted mail between users in different organizations, the Outlook 98 client must know that the recipient is enrolled in advanced security or you will receive the following message:

"None of the recipients can process an encrypted message. You can either
proceed with an unencrypted message or cancel the operation"
However, users can send digitally signed messages to anyone, whether or not they are enrolled in advanced security. The digitally signed message will let the recipient know that the sender is enrolled in advanced security and therefore can decrypt messages.

The below scenario describes how to configure users in different organizations to send encrypted e-mail messages using Outlook 98.

For UserA to send an encrypted message to UserB using Outlook 98, perform the following steps:

  1. Enroll both UserA and UserB in X509.V3 security.


  2. UserB sends a digitally signed message to UserA.


  3. UserA opens the message, right-clicks on UserB's address, and clicks Add to Contacts.


  4. A contact is created for UserB containing the certificate information. NOTE: If a contact already exists, UserA will be prompted to update the contact.


  5. UserA can now send encrypted mail to UserB by selecting UserB from the Contacts list.


NOTE: Outlook98 takes some time to process the digitally signed Contact information. After adding a contact with a digital signature, it is recommended to log off and restart the Outlook 98 client, or wait a few minutes before attempting to send encrypted mail to a newly added or updated Contact.

Additional query words: kms xadm 


Keywords          : 
Version           : WINDOWS:5.5,8.5
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbinfo

Last Reviewed: April 30, 1999