How do I add a rule related to my domain?

How do I create domain rules?

Domain rules define how Outlook should behave when sending emails to specific domains. They are used to force, enable, or disable the use of Secure Exchanges based on the recipient and the sending context. If no domain is specified, the default behaviour applies.

What are domain rules used for?

  • Force the use of Secure Exchanges for sensitive domains
  • Disable Secure Exchanges for specific domains
  • Define different behaviours depending on whether attachments are present
  • Apply a consistent policy across the organization

Prerequisites

Left-hand menu, Domains section

  • 1. "Manage your domains": the list of your domains and their validation.
  • 2. "Rules for domains": how the Outlook client behaves for each domain.

Manage domain rules page

  • 1. The "Domain" field, where you enter the target email domain.
  • 2. The "Rule" list, which sets the behaviour to apply.
  • 3. The "Apply to Emails" list, which narrows down the sendings concerned.
  • 4. The "Add" button, which saves the rule.

Before creating a rule, the domain must be validated in the Secure Exchanges portal. See How do I add and verify a domain in my account? for more details.

Step 1: Access domain rules

Log in to the Secure Exchanges online portal, then go to "Domain rules", under "Domains" in the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Add a domain

Enter the domain for which you want to define a rule (for example: secure-exchanges.com, gouv.qc.ca).

Step 3: Choose the rule to apply

  • Disabled: Secure Exchanges will not be used for this domain
  • Mandatory: use will be enforced; the user will not be able to disable it
  • Enable: Secure Exchanges will be enabled by default, but the user can disable it manually

Step 4: Define the application context

  • No file: for emails without an attachment
  • With file: for emails with attachments
  • All emails: for all emails sent to the domain

Managing unspecified domains

To define a default behaviour that applies to all other domains, use the asterisk (*) symbol.

Example

To disable Secure Exchanges for the domain gouv.qc.ca while making it mandatory for all other domains:

  1. Create a Disabled rule for gouv.qc.ca
  2. Create a Mandatory rule with the asterisk (*) symbol

Result: emails sent to gouv.qc.ca follow the specific rule, while all other domains are governed by the * rule.

Priority rule

Warning: if an email is sent to multiple domains at the same time, the most restrictive rule is automatically applied.

Need help?

Our team is available to assist you. Write to us at support@secure-exchanges.com