County Email Security

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: Ema​​il address

Field: Email Address

This is pre-filled with the email address where you received the invitation. No action is needed unless it's blank or incorrect.

Step 2: F​​​​irst 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:

1. 7-20 characters long
2. At least one digit (0-9) is required
3. At least 1 symbol character is required
4. Your username may not appear in the password

Step 4: C​​onfirm password

Field: Confirm Password

Re-enter the password you created to confirm it. This must match the password exactly.

Step 5: Se​​​lect 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: A​​nswer security question

Field: Answer

Enter your answer to the selected question. Keep it simple and memorable.

Step 7: Submit the f​orm

Click the blue "Continue" button at the bottom to complete your registration.​