All email communication that includes sensitive information, including invoices, must be encrypted.
DSHS uses the Office 365 Exchange Secure Email. Encrypted emails originating from DSHS will include [Secure] or [DSHS Secure] in the subject line. This will encrypt the email in transit.
When DSHS uses [Secure] in the subject line:
•If the encrypted email is going to a Microsoft based email (Exchange, outlook.com, Hotmail.com, etc.), it will open as if it was not encrypted even though it is. This is because Microsoft can authenticate the receiver. If it goes to any other email provider, the Provider will get the logon link.
•Attachments are also encrypted and may restrict what the receiver is able to do with the attachment depending on what restrictions are set on it.
•Replies to the email are encrypted.
When DSHS uses [DSHS Secure] in the subject line:
•The email is only encrypted in transport.
•The attachments are unrestricted for the Provider.
•Replies to the email are not encrypted. Senders must use their own encryption.
Providers can use their own email encryption when emailing DSHS.
For assistance sending encrypted emails, please email the appropriate contact: SWBFETPolicy@DSHS.WA.GOV or BFETHelp@DSHS.WA.GOV or McKenzie.Nassiri@DSHS.WA.GOV.