Passwords in Outlook 98

Passwords protect Digital IDs from unauthorized use. You need to remember the following passwords:

  • The Challenge Phrase lets you manage your Digital ID using the Digital ID Center. You create your own Challenge Phrase when you enroll for a Digital ID.
  • Your private key password, which is the same as your logon password.
Your private key is the part of your Digital ID that only you are meant to have. Outlook uses your logon password for your private key. Because of this, it is vital that you protect your logon password and take care not to leave your computer running when others can easily sit down and use it. Consider using a screensaver that is password protected.

When you export or save your Digital ID, your ID and private key are stored in the same file, usually with the extension .p12. Because your private key is required to access any encrypted messages sent to you, you should save your Digital ID and store it in a secure place. For example, a locked safe works well. You should also back up your data frequently. If your hard disk crashes or you experience some other computer failure, the only way to retrieve the data is if you have a backup copy and a backup of your Digital ID and private key.

When using your Digital ID, Outlook Express uses one of three settings to determine how often it should prompt you for your private key password.

To set the frequency:

  1. Open Outlook Express.
  2. Choose Tools > Options from the menu.
  3. Click on the Security tab.
  4. Click the Settings button for the default zone (called "Internet zone").
  5. Choose the setting you want:

    6. High requires you to enter a password before your private key is accessed by IE.
    Medium alerts you and ask for your permission before your private key is accessed. You don't have to enter your password, but you do have to confirm the use of your Digital ID.
    Low does not add any additional security. This means your private key is protected only by your system's log-in password.
    Custom lets you set specific settings for every type of security.
  6. Click OK to close the dialog boxes.
If you cannot recall your password, you will not be able to read any encrypted messages.



Copyright 2000 VeriSign, Inc. All Rights Reserved