Method and multi-function machine having an email system for password protecting scanned documents

A method and a multi-function machine having an email system are provided for enabling password protection of electronic image files produced using the scan-to-file and scan-to-email functions of the multi-function machine. The email system and method enable a user to compose a message and to attach one or more attachments to accompany the message using an email editor of the email system. The email system and method provide a password protect option for enabling the sender of the one or more electronic image file attachments to password protect these attachments prior to transmission using the email system. If an electronic image file attachment is password protected, then a recipient of the electronic image file is prompted to enter the password corresponding to the electronic image file prior to being permitted to open and view the file.