In my last article in the Winter 2007 issue, which subscribers can read at http://My.Advisor.com/doc/18493, I explained how to assess and restructure your messaging architecture to improve performance. In this article, I explain how to analyze and improve your security practices.

If you are like most organizations, GroupWise is your lifeblood, and you use it for the majority of your business correspondence. As a major repository for critical business information, you want to ensure information is secure and viewed by only those who have authorized access. You spend a lot of money on identity management and network security, so shouldn't your e-mail system provide the same high standards for access control?

Since its beginning, GroupWise has been regarded as a secure e-mail system with proprietary FLAIM encryption of all data, whether it's in the mailbox or is sent across the wire. However, like all systems, the weakest link is the accessibility of the system and human error.

GroupWise has traditionally been weak in password and user access management, but has added various additional security options to help improve system security. Let's examine the various security options available for the GroupWise system and discuss best practices for maintaining tight access controls on your system.