FAQ and Review

There are many features of VS2Go that are not explained in this section. You can always refer to the VaultMail Tips Page and the Support FAQs for more information.

Although it may not seem the easiest tool to jump straight into, the VaultletSuite 2 Go has been carefully thought out and planned to be as user friendly as possible. Developers are continually working to improve its interface and functionality. It is one of the very few completely free email tools offering full encryption for your messages and files. The ability to send encrypted email outside of the VaultletSoft domain could become of great importance to your security strategy.

Claudia and Pablo have spent the whole day using VS2Go and have successfully created separate accounts and exchanged secure messages with each other. However, Pablo still has some unresolved questions:

Pablo: If I create an account for mobile users and choose the Simplicity method for storing my private key, what do I need to access the account from any computer?

Claudia: You'll need the account passphrase to log in and view your messages on the VaultletSoft servers. If you want to access your files and archives, then you'll need the removable USB disk, too.

Pablo: What happens if I forget or lose any of my passwords to access the account?

Claudia: That's a bit of a problem, because VS2Go's encryption is based on your passphrase. If you request to have this passphrase reset, you will lose access to all previously sent or received email messages and files encrypted in the VaultletFiler. You'll receive a temporary login code at your alternate email address, which will allow you to retain the use of your original VaultletSoft email address. VS2Go will create another key pair, based on your new passphrase, which it will begin using to encrypt your account.

Pablo: I want to make sure that I set an alternate email address for my account. How can I do that, again?

Claudia: Just login to your account and select the Display Account Manager option from the My Account menu.

Pablo: I'm still not too certain about all the options in the registration process.

Claudia: If you're uncertain, try out the Simplicity - Fast & Simple registration process. The program will store your archives on the computer and keep your private key on the VaultletSoft servers. All you need to do is remember one passphrase and keep in mind that you can only access the account from that computer.

Pablo: My Blue account is only registered for one year. What will happen when it expires?

Claudia: There are a few different ways to extend a Blue Account. You can pay for it, of course. You can also ask three people to create new VS2Go accounts, using your email address as a referrer. Or, you can enter a special Promo Code, to be found in the hard copy version of the NGO in a Box - Security Edition. If you select the Display Account Manager option from the My Account menu, you can choose whatever method works best for you. You might also try selecting the Contact Us option from the Select Help menu and emailing VaultletSoft directly to ask for an account extension.

Pablo: I'm worried that people won't be willing to go through the Special Delivery process to read my encrypted messages.

Claudia: You might be right about that. Unfortunately, people tend to be less concerned about security than they should be, and are often reluctant to learn new software tools. Some of your email contacts will probably demand that you resend messages using a less secure method. It's up to you to decide whether you're willing to risk your own security by doing so. If not, you'll have to convince them that maintaining email privacy is worth a bit of inconvenience. You can always refer them to the Security in-a-Box How-to Booklet or to the Digital Security and Privacy for Human Rights Defenders manual.

Pablo: Let say I receive a Special Delivery message and am able to decrypt it in my Internet browser. When I Respond to the message, through that same window, will it stay secure?

Claudia: Yes. The whole purpose behind downloading and running the Java applet, creating an account name and passphrase and opening the message in a web link, is to maintain all the necessary elements required for encryption. Your reply and subsequent messages shared through the Special Delivery function will remain secure.

5.1 Review questions

• Why is VS2Go more secure than standard email accounts?
• What are the three things you must have with you (and on your computer) before accessing your VS2Go account?
• How can you edit files stored in the encrypted FileVault?
• How can you move messages from the VaultletSoft servers to your computer or removable device?
• What is the difference between HalfLife and Scope Control?
• If you have sent a message with viewing or forwarding restrictions, what is displayed in the email Subject header on the recipient's end?