Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) constitutes an innovative solution in the field of digital communication, operating as a mechanism that guarantees the integrity of messages sent and received.
Such messages, by the very characteristic of the system, cannot be rejected by the acceptance system.
It works similarly to traditional email, but with the significant advantage of providing a receipt, having legal value, which attests to the sending and delivery of messages, comparable to registered mail with return receipt.
This translates to greater security in telematics communications, especially in legal and administrative contexts.
The operation of PEC is based on a certification system that verifies the identity of the subjects involved in the communication, thus guaranteeing the authenticity of the messages exchanged.
When a message is sent via PEC, the system automatically generates receipts attesting to the sending and correct delivery to the recipient. These receipts have legal value and can be used as proof of delivery, just like registered mail with return receipt.
The advantages offered by PEC are manifold: in addition to security and legal value, it allows for reducing the times and costs associated with sending traditional correspondence, especially for companies and professionals who need to exchange official documentation frequently.
To activate a PEC address, it is necessary to contact an authorized provider who will supply all the instructions for the configuration and use of the mailbox. The activation process requires verification of the user’s identity, thus further guaranteeing the security and reliability of the communication.
Now let’s go into more detail and see how a certified email mailbox works.
Description of Certified Electronic Mail
What is PEC?
Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) represents an evolution of traditional email, designed to guarantee security, reliability, and legal validity in digital communication. Thanks to a certification system, PEC allows for attesting the sending and receipt of messages and documents via email, offering the same legal guarantees as registered mail with return receipt.
What is PEC used for?
PEC finds application in a vast range of scenarios, especially in professional and corporate contexts. It is predominantly used for sending official communications, sending electronic invoices, contracts, legal documents, and any other document that requires legal confirmation of its transmission and receipt.
PEC is now an indispensable tool for professionals, companies, and public administrations. It guarantees efficiency and security in official communications.
Differences between PEC and traditional email
The main differences between PEC and traditional email lie in the security, legal validity, and traceability of the messages sent.
Every communication sent via PEC is equipped with a receipt that certifies sending and receipt, with the same legal value and comparable to that of a registered letter.
Furthermore, thanks to its certification system, PEC assures the identity of senders and recipients, drastically reducing the risk of phishing and other cyber attacks.
Finally, the unique traceability of every communication makes it possible to verify and keep a detailed register of all communications exchanged, an element not always guaranteed by traditional email.
How Certified Electronic Mail Works
The key components of PEC
Certified Electronic Mail is based on several fundamental components that guarantee its reliability and security. Among these, the certified email mailbox represents the electronic equivalent of a physical delivery address, equipped with specific security mechanisms.
The digital signature, on the other hand, allows for authenticating the sender’s identity with certainty, guaranteeing the integrity and non-repudiation of sent messages.
Finally, the digital certificate is an electronic document that associates the validation data of the digital signature with the identity of the natural or legal person, conferring upon them a verifiable digital identity.
Sending and receiving PEC
The process of sending and receiving messages via PEC is designed to offer maximum guarantees of security and traceability. When a user sends a PEC message, the system automatically generates receipts attesting to the successful sending and correct receipt by the recipient, complete with timestamps certifying the exact moment.
These receipts, legally recognized, provide certain proof of the communication having taken place.
The unique traceability of every message also ensures that it is possible to keep track of all interactions, increasing the transparency of official communications.
Legal value of PEC
PEC stands out for its legal value, comparable to that of traditional registered mail with return receipt. This legal equivalence makes PEC an extremely valid tool for sending documents and communications that require legal recognition, such as judicial notifications, contracts, and official communications between public and private entities.
Security, authenticity, and the incontrovertible proof of sending and receipt confer upon PEC an irreplaceable role in formal communications.
Advantages of Certified Electronic Mail
Security and reliability
Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) guarantees a high level of security and reliability, thanks to the use of advanced technology such as digital signatures and encryption.
These tools ensure that sent messages are protected from tampering and interception, thus confirming the identity of the sender and guaranteeing the privacy of the content.
PEC, therefore, represents a secure solution for exchanging sensitive information and important documents.
Efficiency and savings
The use of PEC entails significant economic and time advantages. By eliminating the need for paper shipments, direct costs related to purchasing consumables and postal rates are reduced, not to mention the time saved in managing shipments.
This allows companies and professionals to optimize resources and focus on higher value-added activities, while simultaneously improving environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption.
Legal validity and regulatory compliance
PEC has full legal value, equal to a registered letter with return receipt, which makes it a suitable tool for transmitting documents and communications that require legal proof of sending and receipt.
This aspect is particularly relevant in contexts where strict regulatory compliance is required, such as in electronic invoicing and compliance with privacy regulations (for example, the GDPR).
Using PEC means, therefore, not only operating securely but also in full adherence to current legislation, avoiding risks connected to possible disputes.
How to Activate Certified Electronic Mail
Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) is now an essential tool for professionals and companies. Activating one is a simple process that can lead to significant improvements in terms of communicative efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Let’s see how to do it step by step together.
Requirements to activate PEC
To activate a PEC mailbox, it is necessary to meet some fundamental requirements:
- Valid digital identity: It is necessary to possess a valid identity document. Some providers might request a scan or digital copy of this document.
- Email address: Although it might seem contradictory, many providers require a conventional email address to send communications regarding the activation of the PEC mailbox or for password recovery.
Choosing a PEC provider
Choosing a PEC provider is a key step and should be done considering several factors:
- Cost and plans offered: Evaluate the price-quality ratio and choose the plan best suited to your needs.
- Available features: Analyze the features offered by the different PEC mailboxes, such as maximum attachment size or the possibility of integrating them with other digital tools.
- Customer support: Ensure that the provider offers a reliable and responsive support service to promptly resolve any issues you may encounter.
Guide for PEC activation
The activation of a PEC mailbox can vary slightly depending on the chosen provider, but generally follows these steps:
- Choose the desired plan on the PEC provider’s website and fill it out with your personal information and company details, if necessary.
- Upload the required documentation, such as a copy of an identity document.
- Complete the payment for the chosen plan, following the instructions provided by the provider.
Wait for the confirmation email certifying the activation of the PEC mailbox. This email will also contain instructions on how to access the mailbox and manage it.
By following these tips and steps, it will be possible to activate your own PEC mailbox simply and smoothly, starting a flow of certified, secure communications that are in line with legislative provisions.
In Brief (TL;DR)
Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) is an email system that guarantees the authenticity of the sender and recipient of the message, its successful delivery, and its legal value, equivalent to registered mail with return receipt.
PEC offers numerous advantages, including security, reliability, efficiency, savings, and compliance with current regulations, such as electronic invoicing and the GDPR.
Activating PEC is simple and fast: just choose a reliable provider, follow the access and activation procedure, and have a valid digital identity ready.
Conclusions
Throughout this article, we have seen what Certified Electronic Mail (PEC) is and how it works, highlighting the main steps for activation and the importance of selecting a reliable provider.
We have underscored the significant benefits offered by PEC, including the security of communications, the confirmation of successful delivery equivalent to registered mail with return receipt, and its compliance with current regulations such as electronic invoicing and the GDPR.
The activation of PEC represents an important step forward in the digitalization of corporate and personal communications, guaranteeing a superior level of reliability and security. If followed carefully, the outlined steps will allow you to easily activate your own PEC mailbox, bringing added value at both a professional and personal level.
In conclusion, the adoption of PEC is now an essential requirement for anyone operating in a professional or corporate context, or even just for those who desire greater security in their email communications.
We therefore invite our readers not to underestimate the importance of this tool and to make use of the information and advice provided in this document.
Frequently Asked Questions
PEC is an email system that guarantees the authenticity of the sender and recipient of the message, its successful delivery, and its legal value, equivalent to registered mail with return receipt. It is used to send official communications, electronic invoices, legal documents, and any other type of message that requires certain legal value.
Security: PEC guarantees the security of messages thanks to digital signatures and encryption.
Reliability: PEC offers certainty of message delivery and receipt.
Efficiency: PEC allows for sending and receiving documents quickly and securely, eliminating the need for paper shipments.
Savings: PEC allows for saving on shipping and document archiving costs.
Regulatory compliance: PEC complies with current regulations, such as electronic invoicing and the GDPR.
Activating PEC is simple and fast:
Choose a PEC provider: There are numerous PEC providers, each with its own characteristics and costs. It is important to choose a reliable and secure provider.
Register: The registration procedure varies depending on the provider, but generally requires entering your personal data, a valid digital identity, and an email address.
Verify identity: The PEC provider will require you to verify your identity, typically via an identity document and a selfie.
Activate the PEC mailbox: Once identity is verified, the PEC mailbox will be active and ready for use.
The cost of PEC varies depending on the provider and the chosen tariff plan. Generally, costs start from a few euros per year for basic mailboxes up to several tens of euros for mailboxes with advanced features.
PEC is mandatory for certain categories of people and professionals, such as:
Companies and professionals registered in professional registers
Public administrations
Health and social-health service providers
Businesses that issue electronic invoices
To sign a digital document with PEC, it is necessary to use digital signature software, which is provided by the PEC provider. The software allows you to affix your digital signature to the content of the document, guaranteeing its authenticity and integrity.
It is not possible to directly send a PEC to a traditional email address. However, it is possible to use a PEC relay service, which allows sending the PEC to the recipient’s traditional email address, converting it into a normal email.
In case of problems with PEC, you can contact your provider’s customer support. Customer support will be able to provide assistance for troubleshooting and any other needs.
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