How does FYI manage encrypted emails?

Encrypted emails are stored as scrambled text and can only be read by the intended recipient who holds the decryption key. FYI does not contain or store encryption keys and therefore cannot decrypt encrypted emails.

The following information outlines how encrypted emails are processed, displayed and accessed within FYI.

What happens when an encrypted email is filed in FYI?

When an encrypted email is received and filed in FYI:

• A placeholder email record is created in FYI.
• The encrypted body content cannot be displayed in the Preview pane.
• If Microsoft provides a decrypted version of the content via the API, it may be included as an attachment. This is dependent on Microsoft and is not guaranteed.

As FYI does not hold the required encryption keys, it cannot access or display the protected content within the platform.

Can encrypted emails be viewed?

Encrypted emails can only be viewed by the recipient who holds the appropriate decryption key.

If the user has the required permissions:

1. Export the encrypted email from FYI.
2. Open the exported file using the Outlook desktop application.
3. Decrypt and view the email within Outlook.

Additional information

Email preview functionality in FYI relies on Microsoft 365 services. Encrypted content that cannot be decrypted by Microsoft will not be displayed in the Preview pane.

For further information about encrypted messages, refer to Microsoft’s article, Send S/MIME or Microsoft Purview encrypted emails in Outlook.