Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ will address questions that non-subscribers might have. Specific questions about setting up accounts and services are covered in a separate FAQ within the site.

 

What does SecureNym provide?

Simply put, private, secure e-mail capabilities. The degree of security and anonymity is largely up to the user. Much like driving a car, safety depends a great deal on the operator. Used correctly, SecureNym offers excellent levels of both security and anonymity.

Click here for SecureNym's Terms of Service.

 

How is it used?

There are a several ways to access SecureNym and number of options that may be implemented. One secure method is to use the SecureNym webmail interface for all messaging needs. Webmail makes use of SSL encryption at all times.

 

Can you use your mail client?

SecureNym may be used directly with Outlook Express, Outlook, Live Mail, Mac's Mail.app, Thunderbird, and just about all mail clients.

By using authentication and SSL, all messaging is secure and anonymous. SecureNym cannot be used without enabling SSL/TLS and authentication.

 

What is Secure File Transfer?

This feature allows users to send files securely to any user. Click here for details.

 

Is additional encryption supported?

SecureNym supports both PGP and S/mime server-side encryption. This allows users to have all incoming messages automatically encrypted before being saved to their mailbox. For those users who archive messages on our mail servers, PGP or S/mime encryption of incoming messages will provide an additional layer of security.

The 'new' PGP's use of "Pervasive Encryption" and "Automagical" functions can be confusing, so PGP does require some degree of expertise.

Additional S/mime information may be found here.

Whether using the web interface or mail clients, SecureNym provides SSL encryption at all times.

 

What do you need to do?

Your privacy depends upon the responsible use of the service. SecureNym cannot fully protect the user who ignores the guidelines and uses the system incorrectly. Security requires steps such as enabling SSL, not leaving messages on our servers, and selecting an account name and password that doesn't personally identify the user, or which can be easily guessed.

 

What does SecureNym know about users?

SecureNym maintains no logs of user activity. When a user subscribes to SecureNym, a randomly generated key is issued from the server. There is no record of who receives any key, and once the key is entered, it is immediately deleted from the key file. Securenym retains no records of payment information.

For those desiring total anonymity, subscriptions can be paid by money order.

SecureNym does NOT maintain copies of messages, including backups. Once a message has been deleted, it is gone forever.

 

How difficult is it to get started?

Once you subscribe, access is immediate through the web interface. At SecureNym's primary web site, in the User's Area, an extensive set of FAQs are available for just about any questions that might arise. These include instructions on proper configuration of mail clients, how to install and use PGP or S/mime, and a preferences page for customizing your account. Users may access the FAQs by clicking on LOGIN, then entering their user name and password. This will take them to the User's Area.

Technical support is available by e-mail only. We are very responsive to support questions. Support is a priority and is very personalized.

 

What about bulk mailings?

SecureNym is not to be used for any type of mass mailing. This includes mailing lists, of whatever nature. The total number of recipients of any message is limited to twenty.

Anyone considering use of SecureNym for spam should NOT waste their time or money. SecureNym will not tolerate spam, and offending accounts will be cancelled without warning.