What is SSL Encryption?

SSL Encryption stands for Secure Socket Layer. With SSL, when your email software downloads your email or sends your email, your password and your email messages are encrypted. This encryption means that your password and email messages are scrambled between your computer and Asahi Net's mail servers, and therefore the level of security with SSL is higher than with POP. We recommend SSL, especially for users of wireless LAN networks or those connected to a connection service not offered by Asahi Net.

With an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) compliant email program, POP over SSL/TTS will be used for incoming email, and SMTP over SSL/TLS will be used for outgoing email.

Furthermore, Asahi Net's outgoing mail server (mail.asahi-net.or.jp) will support SMTP authentication, even for those members using another service for Internet connection.

POP over SSL/TLS

With POP over SSL/TTS , when logging in to get your email the information transmitted between your email software and Asahi Net's incoming mail server (your password and the email messages you receive) are encrypted.

POP over SSL/TTS is suitable for environments like a Wireless LAN hotspot where you are sharing your Internet connection with an unspecified number of other users. It is essential that you are using compatible email software.

With SMTP over SSL/TLS , when sending your email the information transmitted between your email software and Asahi Net's outgoing mail server (your password and the email messages you are sending) are encrypted.

SMTP over SSL/TLS is suitable for environments like a Wireless LAN hotspot where you are sharing your Internet connection with an unspecified number of other users. It is essential that you are using compatible email software. Encryption of information does not take place on its route between mail servers.

With SMTP authentication, when sending your email the information transmitted between your email software and Asahi Net's outgoing mail server (your Asahi Net ID and password) are authenticated.

When using SMTP authentication, even members who are using another service for Internet connection can send their Asahi Net email via our SSL compatible outgoing mail server (mail.asahi-net.or.jp).

How can I use SSL Encryption?

1. Use SSL-compatible email software.
Click here for a list of compatible email software.

2. Specify a compatible Asahi Net mail server for incoming mail and outgoing mail.
See the What are the basic settings? section below.

3.Register for our Expanded Services.
Register with the User ID of the mailbox you want to do SSL encryption with. No charge is made for registration, however registration is required before you can use SSL encryption.

Click here to register for Asahi Net'S Expanded Services

Enter your Asahi Net User ID and password when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions to Register for expanded services.
Log out of the BBB by clicking Asahi Net Top Page(Exit BBB).

What are the basic settings?

Basic Settings

From 11th May 2004, you will continue to use these servers, with no need to change your computer's settings. For your email to be encrypted you must use email software that is POP over SSL/TLS or SMTP over SSL/TLS capable.

Can't send email after 11th May 2004?
From 11th May 2004, if you are currently using email software that is activated for SMTP authentication, when sending your email it is possible that your email software will automatically switch to a Don't use SMTP authentication setting. In such cases, you will need to ensure that you have registered for Asahi Net's Expanded Services and that your mail account password is entered in lower-case (small) characters.

If you can't send email from 11th May 2004, first change your email software's settings to Don't use SMTP authentication. Then, retype your Asahi Net password in lower case (small) characters and also make sure that you have registered for Asahi Net's Expanded Services.

As a result of our investigations we have found that this situation can occur with Outlook and Outlook Express email software. For more details please refer to the (Japanese) FAQ page below.

• Q&A: Mail cannot be sent after viewing a login screen (Japanese)

If you are connecting to the Internet with one of the following services, you will need to activate the SMTP authentication setting in your email software. Before connecting to these services for the first time, please check in advance that your email software is capable of SMTP authentication.

• Asahi Net overseas access points
• PIAS Net service
• A non-Asahi Net connection service

If you are using one of these services but your email software is not capable of SMTP authentication, please use POP before SMTP. In such a case, mail server settings are different, so contact us if you need assistance in making the settings.

How do I change my email software's settings?

If your email software is SSL-compatible, change its settings according to the basic settings listed above. Our Internet Software Guide may have a guide for the email software you use.

Click here for our Software page.