Reporting suspicious emails

Don't hesitate to ask for guidance or support when something feels suspicious, unexpected, or unusual. Please call the IT Service Desk straight away if you are at all worried using (+44) 020 7915 5488 or email [email protected].

1. A report Phishing button has now been set up for staff and students to report any suspicious emails. This can be done from both the Outlook application and Web based Outlook.

2. Below is an example from the Outlook Application.

Screenshot of the report as phishing button on outlook

3. Once this button is clicked, it will forward a copy of the email to the Data Security team for review and flag it in Microsoft exchange to be investigated.

4. The report Phishing button for the web browser version of Outlook works in a slightly different manner. You will be given 3 options to choose from, "Junk", "Phishing" or "Block" which will submit these emails automatically for Analysis with Microsoft.

5. Alternatively, in the open email that you would like to report, click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner. Select ‘Security options’ then click on ‘Mark as phishing’

Screenshot of mark email as phishing button on outlook.

6. This will also forward a copy of the email to Data security for review.

Phishing- key points

Here are some key things about reporting phishing to remember:

  • Act quickly: the sooner you report an incident, the quicker it can be resolved and the less damage it will cause.
  • Always report: never assume someone else will report the issue – it's better that several people report something than none at all
  • Don't be afraid: even if you think you caused an incident, always report it. Cyber incidents can be difficult to spot, and mistakes do happen – letting someone know will help to limit the damage
  • Push for change: don't hesitate to flag security processes and policies that don't work, or you feel can be improved

Should the worst-case scenario ever happen, also remember that you can also report phishing or fraud to Action Fraud here.