Encrypting e-mails Published July 9, 2010 By 21st Communications Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Communications Squadron offers users computer tips to further their computer knowledge. This week's tip is: encrypting e-mails. In previous instructions, e-mail accounts were set up to encrypt all outgoing e-mails. The 21st Space Wing Information Assurance has informed users that not all e-mails need to be encrypted. Encrypting all e-mails can result in an increase in bandwidth usage straining the network and Outlook servers. According the 21st SW IA, only For Official Use Only material, Personally Identifiable Information and Privacy Act e-mails need to be encrypted. To change your settings for encryption follow this path: Outlook>tools>trust center>e-mail security. Deselect the "encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages" box. Also, ensure the "add digital signature to outgoing messages" box is selected. You should always digitally sign outgoing e-mails for authentication purposes. Doing this should minimize strain on servers and improve response times.