SafeLinks & SafeAttachments

SHSU’s number one cybersecurity threat is phishing. To minimize the threat of phishing to SHSU, we implemented Microsoft security features, SafeLinks and SafeAttachments, to help you keep yourself and the university protected. You can read how each works below.

• SafeLinks

  As Microsoft sees a link in email it will scan the URL for malicious content and then block the site if it does detect malicious content and block you from going there. Many times, the email client will display the original URL in the email; however, sometimes the email client may display the link as a rewritten link. A rewritten link is how SafeLink converts the original link to check it for malicious content. Links might appear longer than usual and include text such as safelinks.protection.outlook.com in the link.

  

  Note: If you receive this link anywhere other than in an email, the link will not have a recipient’s email inside of it. 

  If SafeLinks deems the website you clicked on to be malicious, you may receive the notification similar to the one below.

  

• SafeAttachments

  If you open a file from your email, SafeAttachments adds an additional layer of protection by keeping the document in protected view until it scans the file to ensure it is safe to download on your computer.

If you do click on a URL and the site is malicious or suspicious, forward the e-mail with the link to abuse@shsu.edu for investigation.

Even with this new tool, users should still use phishing best practices and only click on links that they know are from legitimate sources.

For additional questions regarding SafeLinks contact the IT@Sam Service Desk.