Dear Mines Microsoft Exchange Users,
Recognizing that 75% of cybersecurity breaches are a result from a phishing attack mostly through email, ITS continues to work to protect and safeguard our email systems. To this end, we are deploying a Microsoft 365 feature called Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), which ITS has been using since July, to provide extra protection to our Microsoft Exchange Online Email accounts, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. On December 15, we will be rolling this out to all staff and faculty. And, you don’t have to do anything!
Below are two notable features of Advanced Threat Protection:
- Safe links – This service will compare links sent to you via email against known malicious web sites and not allow you to reach the web site if it’s found to be malicious.
- Safe attachments – This service is like safe links, except it blocks malicious attachments. The original message is still delivered but the attachment is blocked.
The biggest advantage to Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection is that it functions in real time and can evolve as threats are discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I have to do before, on, or after December 15 when this is implemented?
Nothing! We take care of the service and you get the benefit of enhanced security.
Will anything change with links I send or receive via email?
No. When viewing a message with a link included, the link will appear normal. However, if you hover over the link, you will see the safe links service in action, displaying the path for time-of-click verification of web addresses sent via email, SharePoint, OneDrive, or Teams. If you have downloaded and installed the Office 365 version of Outlook, only the original link will display; however, you are still being protected by the safe links service.
Will I send or receive attachments any differently?
No, sending and receiving attachments will not be impacted. If an attachment received, however, is found to be malicious then it will be blocked from access when a user clicks on the attachment. This will help prevent any malicious code from being executed.
Need more information?
Check out this helpful article: Safe Links and Safe Attachments Knowledge Base Article. Contact us at mineshelpcenter@mines.edu or call us at 303-384-2345.
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Information and Technology Solutions (ITS)
ocio@mines.edu
Our values: Trust | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility
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