What is an appropriate use of government e-mail?

Using a digital signature when sending attachments is an appropriate use of government email because it helps to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the message being sent. A digital signature serves as a virtual fingerprint, allowing the recipient to verify that the email indeed comes from the claimed sender and that the contents have not been altered during transmission. This enhances trust in the communication process and is particularly important in a government context where the handling of information can involve sensitive or classified material. Utilizing digital signatures aligns with cybersecurity best practices, ensuring that messages are secure and compliant with regulations related to data protection and handling.

In contrast, sending confidential documents without encryption poses a significant risk to information security, as it may expose sensitive data to unauthorized access. Forwarding personal emails to coworkers can lead to breaches of privacy and potential violations of government email policies. Copying sensitive information to external drives can create vulnerabilities in data protection, as these drives may be more susceptible to loss or theft, compromising safety and security protocols.