myCSUSM
Enhancing Microsoft Office 365 Email Security
To mitigate risks and align with industry best practices, CSUSM will implement the following security mechanisms on Monday February 3rd, 2025 across all users:
Key Security Enhancements
- Safe Links
Safe Links performs real-time URL analysis to protect users from malicious websites. Universal implementation will significantly bolster defenses against phishing and other URL-based threats. Once this enhancement is implemented, when hovering over a link in your CSUSM email, you will notice that pop-up has a different view. See more information under "User Impact".
- Safe Attachments
Safe Attachments allows technology to analyze email attachments for malicious content before delivery. Extending this safeguard campus-wide will drastically reduce the risk of malware propagation through email attachments.
- Anti-Phishing
Anti-phishing employs technology to identify and neutralize phishing attempts. Broadening this protection to include all users will greatly minimize risks related to credential theft and exposure of sensitive information.
- Anti-Malware
Anti-malware settings are foundational to defending against viruses and other malicious software delivered via email. Ensuring uniform application across all users will establish a robust baseline for a robust baseline for mitigation of threat originating from emails.
User Impact
- Operational Adjustments: Users may experience slight delays in email delivery due to scanning processes.
- Educational Opportunities: Notifications and warnings generated by these mechanisms will increase user awareness, fostering a culture of cybersecurity mindfulness throughout the campus community.
- URL Visual Difference: When hovering over URL in emails you will notice that pop-up has a different view.
If you hover over a link in Outlook, you will be shown the original URL.
If you copy and paste a link from Outlook, we will see that it was converted into a Microsot Safe Link.
