Protecting the privacy and security of sensitive information is a priority at AES. In keeping with this commitment, AES will further protect our clients and employees through the use of e-mail encryption. Beginning in May 2008, all e-mails containing sensitive information will be encrypted.

AES's use of encrypted e-mail enables us to send quick, reliable communications while maintaining our commitment to protecting the confidentiality of client / employee-specific information.

What is encrypted e-mail?

Encrypted e-mail is scrambled by the sender's e-mail program, which renders it unreadable until it is descrambled or "decrypted" by the recipient. Unencrypted e-mail is similar to a postcard - the message can be viewed by anyone who picks it up. Encrypted e-mail is similar to a sealed letter -- the content cannot be viewed until the envelope is opened - except, in this case, the envelope has a lock on it to which only the recipient has a key!

How will AES's use of encrypted e-mail impact recipients?

• Whenever AES transmits sensitive information via e-mail, the e-mail will include a message indicating that the content has been secured via encryption.

• Encrypted e-mails from AES will instruct users to go to a secure website where they must sign in using a self created password to view their email document and any attachments.

• Anyone who receives an encrypted e-mail from AES will be able to send an encrypted reply.