New Microsoft Outlook Phish Alert Button

The New Microsoft Outlook Phish Alert Button – When and How to Use It

As cybercrimes such as phishing, spoofing, and spear-phishing become more common, people are looking for new ways to protect themselves. A lot has been done over the years to curb cyber-attacks, but as the crimes get sophisticated, better and more creative ways to protect people need implementation.

The use of security software is still the norm, but several other methods that many experts agree will help you stay safe online. One such method is the new Phish Alert Button (PAB) for Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace. The add-on is a button that appears in each email you open.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a method cybercriminals use to trick people into revealing their usernames, passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information. These criminals create fake websites that resemble services like bank portals where the unsuspecting victims are directed to complete an online form with the required information.

Once the criminals get this information, they use it to access and steal from your bank account or credit card account. Since it’s easy for them to create fake websites and business emails, phishing is a problem everyone online should be vigilant about.

How Does PAB Help?

The phish alert button appears on every email you open, and when you suspect it to be a phishing email, you can click on the button. The action forwards the email to the IT team for analysis and deletes it from your inbox.

You can do this to phishing and other malicious emails. However, for spam and unwanted marketing emails, delete and block the senders. Detecting the phishing attempt enables the IT department to alert other employees, prompting them to check or look out for such attacks.

The PAB button enables the IT team to identify and shut down these attacks quickly.  The PAB button enhances security by making it easy for anyone to flag a suspicious email for quick analysis.

How to Use the PAB Button for Windows Outlook

Once the button is installed, it appears in every opened email. When you suspect a malicious email, here are the steps to follow:

• Click on the suspicious email once to open it.
• Click on the home tab.
• Click on the phish alert button.
• When prompted whether you want to report the email, say yes.
• The action will delete the email from your inbox and send it to the designated forwarding address.
• When a simulating email from your IT provider, a congratulatory message will appear; click ok to continue with your tasks.

How to Use PAB on Microsoft 365

When installed on Microsoft 365, follow these steps:

• Check the drop-down menu of the PAB icon, then click on it.
• Click on the phish alert button.
• When the sidebar appears asking whether you’re sure you want to report as a phishing attempt, say yes.
• After clicking, a message appears notifying you of whether it was an attempted attack or simulated.

Why Do IT Companies Create Simulated Phishing?

Simulated phishing enables the IT team to test the ability of users to detect and report suspicious emails. The test is carried out regularly, keeping the employees alert on possible attacks. It’s also a way of educating the staff members on how to detect and avoid potential threats.

Which Information Gets Sent When You Click the Phish Alert Button?

As earlier noted, once you click the button, the entire email deletes from your inbox. It automatically transfers to the reporting address. Other sent information might include;

• Your email address,
• IP address,
• Date and time,
• PAB Version,
• Operating System Architecture, and
• OS ID.

What are the Benefits of the New Phish Alert Button?

The benefits of the phish alert button include the following:

It Makes the Employees and the Entire Organization Act Quickly in Case of an Alert

With a click of the button, employees can alert the IT department of a possible phishing attempt prompting the entire organization to take action. The action saves you from potential financial loss.

It’s Easy to Use

One click of the button is all it takes to transfer the suspicious email to the IT department for analysis. It doesn’t require any additional steps or special skills.

Users Become More Conscious of the Steps to Take

The phishing alert button is always there when you open the email, reminding you to be aware of the possible attacks you can expose yourself to. It makes you think twice before taking any action, including sending personal or company information. You are more likely to verify any information on an email when you have the phish alert button.

The Add-On Works on Many Platforms

You’re not restricted on the device you use to access your email. The phish alert button is compatible with several devices. If installed, the notification will automatically appear on the device so long as it runs on a supported platform, whether Windows or Mac OS X. You can install the add-in on;

• Gmail accounts connected through Google Workspace,
• Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016 & Outlook for Office 365,
• The Outlook Mobile App (iOS and Android),
• Chrome 54 and later (Linux, OS X, and Windows),
• Exchange 2013 & 2016, and
• Outlook on the web (Outlook.com).

In Summary, users can now work with an added sense of security, knowing they can signal a suspicious email.

Organizations Can Periodically Check their Workforce Preparedness

Through simulated phishing emails, organizations can periodically check their workforce preparedness. It enables organizations to test whether their employees can identify and report suspicious emails. The test also educates the workforce on how to avoid phishing attempts.

It Reduces Costs Associated with Security Breaches

Companies spend a lot of money to resolve cybercriminals’ attempts to breach the network’s security. With the new phishing alert button, the company can save on costs associated with resolving attacks. Additionally, IT departments and companies can avoid legal fees while trying to resolve matters.

Instant Feedback Reinforces Employees Training

After clicking the Phish alert button, an employee gets an instant message, whether an attempted phishing attack or a simulated phishing test. The instant feedback reinforces training on how to act in case of suspicious emails.

To know more about installing the Phish alert button on Microsoft 365, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace, contact LAN Infotech. The company will quickly do it for you saving you time and effort. It will also enlighten your workforce on detecting phishing emails, significantly reducing the number of cybersecurity problems.

Other than this, if you’re looking for a permanent and reliable solution to your network defense and support needs, LAN Infotech will be happy to help.

Contact us today for reliable, on-time tech assistance. You can also chat with us live at your convenience.

Michael Goldstein

LAN Infotech is a Microsoft Cloud Services Provider, IT Managed Support company and a leader in helping law firms, nonprofits and medical organizations deploy cloud solutions, manage computer networks, keep data protected and top technology management company. Businesses like yours need technology support to run highly-effective organizations.