Phishing emails are a common form of cyber attack that attempt to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information. These emails often appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or company, and use social engineering tactics to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information.
If you use Microsoft Outlook as your email client, it is important to know how to identify and report phishing emails to protect yourself and your organization from potential security threats. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to report phishing emails in Outlook.
How to Identify Phishing Emails in Outlook
Check the Sender’s Email Address
One of the first things you should do when you receive an email that seems suspicious is to check the sender’s email address. Phishing emails often use email addresses that are similar to legitimate ones, but with slight variations or misspellings. For example, an email from “paypal@secure.com” may actually be from “paypa1@secure.com”.
If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email, you can hover your mouse over the sender’s name to see the full email address. If it looks suspicious, do not click on any links or provide any personal information.
Look for Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing emails often use urgent or threatening language to create a sense of urgency and pressure the recipient into taking immediate action. They may claim that your account has been compromised or that you need to update your information to avoid consequences.
Be wary of emails that use phrases like “urgent action required” or “your account will be suspended”. Legitimate companies will rarely use such language in their emails.
Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors
Phishing emails are often sent by scammers who are not native English speakers, so they may contain spelling and grammar errors. These errors can be a red flag that the email is not legitimate.
If you receive an email from a company or organization that contains multiple spelling or grammar mistakes, it is likely a phishing attempt.
Be Cautious of Links and Attachments
Phishing emails often contain links or attachments that, when clicked or opened, can install malware on your computer or direct you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
If you receive an email with a link or attachment from an unknown sender or a sender you were not expecting, do not click on it. Instead, verify the legitimacy of the email with the sender through a different channel, such as a phone call or a direct message.
How to Report Phishing Emails in Outlook
Report the Email to Microsoft
If you receive a phishing email in your Outlook inbox, you can report it to Microsoft by following these steps:
- Select the suspicious email in your inbox.
- Click on the “Junk” button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Select “Report as Phishing” from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm that the email is a phishing attempt. Click “Report” to confirm.
By reporting the email to Microsoft, you are helping to protect yourself and others from potential cyber attacks.
Block the Sender
If you receive multiple phishing emails from the same sender, you can block them from sending you any further emails. To do this, follow these steps:
- Select the suspicious email in your inbox.
- Click on the “Junk” button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Select “Block Sender” from the drop-down menu.
- A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to block the sender. Click “OK” to confirm.
This will prevent any future emails from that sender from appearing in your inbox.
Delete the Email
If you are certain that an email is a phishing attempt, you can simply delete it from your inbox. This will prevent you from accidentally clicking on any links or attachments and exposing yourself to potential threats.
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Emails
Enable Spam Filtering
Outlook has a built-in spam filter that can help identify and block phishing emails from reaching your inbox. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
- Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
- In the “Outlook Options” window, click on “Trust Center” in the left-hand menu.
- Click on “Trust Center Settings” in the main window.
- In the “Trust Center” window, click on “Spam Email” in the left-hand menu.
- Check the box next to “Enable spam filtering” and click “OK” to save the changes.
Be Wary of Suspicious Emails
The best way to protect yourself from phishing emails is to be cautious and vigilant. If an email seems suspicious, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, verify the legitimacy of the email through a different channel.
Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software can leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks. Make sure to regularly update your operating system, email client, and antivirus software to protect yourself from potential threats.
Conclusion
Phishing emails are a common form of cyber attack that can put your personal information and security at risk. By knowing how to identify and report phishing emails in Outlook, you can protect yourself and your organization from potential threats. Remember to always be cautious and vigilant when it comes to suspicious emails, and keep your software up to date to stay protected.
