Dakota County uses Proofpoint to secure emails. This software allows Dakota County staff to initiate encrypted email conversations with non-county recipients. We can share sensitive information in a secure format, only accessible to the person for who it is intended.
To ensure security of your data, opening an encrypted email requires a few additional steps for the recipient.
Secure email registration
This guide will walk you through the steps to create an encrypted message account with Proofpoint to access secure emails from Dakota County. After receiving an encrypted message email from Dakota County, click on the link in the email to view your message. The first time you view the message you will be required to fill out a registration form. Complete the following steps to fill out the form.
Step 1: Email address
Field: Email Address
This is pre-filled with the email address where you received the invitation.
No action needed unless it's blank or incorrect.
Step 2: First and last name
Field: First Name & Last Name
Type your first and Last name as it appears on official records.
Step 3: Create a password
Field: Password
Create a strong password that meets security requirements:
- 7-20 characters long
- At least one digit (0-9) is required
- At least 1 symbol character is required
- Your username may not appear in the password
Step 4: Confirm password
Field: Confirm Password
Re-enter the password you created to confirm it. This must match the password exactly.
Step 5: Select security question
Field: Question
Click the dropdown to choose a security question. Choose one that you'll remember but others won't easily guess.
Step 6: Answer security question
Field: Answer
Enter your answer to the selected question. Keep it simple and memorable.
Step 7: Submit the form
Click the blue "Continue" button at the bottom to complete your registration.