How to Report Phishing Emails in Outlook

How to report phishing emails to Microsoft in Outlook (Legacy & New) for Windows 11 and Mac

Email phishing remains a prevalent online threat, aiming to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information under false pretenses. Recognizing and reporting these fraudulent emails is crucial in safeguarding oneself and others against potential harm. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to report phishing emails in both the new and legacy versions of Outlook, along with essential tips for protecting yourself from such attacks.

Understanding Email Phishing

Phishing emails impersonate trusted entities to manipulate recipients into divulging personal information or performing actions that compromise security. These emails often employ urgency, fear, or enticing offers to prompt immediate responses, such as clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

Why Report Phishing Emails?

Reporting phishing emails enables platforms like Microsoft to take necessary measures to protect users from similar attacks. By identifying and analyzing reported emails, providers can enhance security measures and prevent further spread of fraudulent content.

How to Report Phishing Emails in Outlook (App and Web) on Windows and Mac

In the New Outlook app and web version for Windows 11, reporting phishing emails is straightforward:

1. Open Outlook (Windows 11 app).
2. Select the suspicious email (without clicking its content).
3. Click the More actions (three dots) menu and choose the Report option.
4. Select Report phishing and click OK.
5. The email will be sent to Atomus for analysis and handling.

Reporting Phishing Emails in Outlook (Legacy App)

Although the legacy desktop version lacks built-in reporting functionality, you can add it through an add-in:

1. Open Outlook (legacy app).
2. Navigate to the Home tab and click All apps.
3. Select Get Add-ins and search for Report phishing.
4. Add the selected add-in and open an email.
5. Click Report Phishing and then Report.
6. The message will be sent to Atomus for analysis and handling.

Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attacks

In addition to reporting suspicious emails, here are some practical tips to enhance your protection against phishing:

• Avoid clicking on links from suspicious emails.
• Refrain from responding to requests for personal or financial information.
• Exercise caution when downloading attachments from unknown senders.
• Be wary of emails promising extravagant prizes or offers.
• Verify email addresses for legitimacy.
• Pay attention to grammatical errors, often indicative of phishing attempts.
• When in doubt, contact the purported sender via phone or visit their official website.

By staying vigilant and promptly reporting phishing attempts, you play a vital role in maintaining a secure digital environment for yourself and others. Together, we can mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats and ensure safer online experiences.