Are binary files more secure?

I've recently done a couple of things on my site to enhance security. I don't yet have a secure server, but I do have a form where they can enter (or paste) their text. The form data is then posted to an email account that I have on the same server, so it does not go out over the Internet at that point. It does go over the net when my email software retrieves it. Regular email goes over the Net twice - from their machine to my email account, and then from the server to my machine.

The other thing that I have suggested is that people send their message as an attachment. I even suggest that they encrypt it and send the password as a separate message. This is a lot easier than PGP - although certainly not quite as secure. I do offer PGP, but it is rarely used.

Do these steps sound any safer to any of you? Any other ideas?

Leonard Holmes

• Security by Amy Pressman, MSW, 1/19/99