WARNING: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
1. What does the “External” warning mean?
The “External” warning is a tag added to emails received from senders outside your organization. It helps you quickly identify messages that are not from internal sources.
We have tried to minimize the appearance of this text to a short phrase and link top this page to reduce email clutter.
** Yes we find this annoying too 🙂
2. Why is this feature being introduced?
This feature is designed to enhance email security by making it easier to spot potentially fraudulent messages. Phishing attacks often rely on impersonation tactics, and this warning helps mitigate those risks.
3. How can I use this warning to stay secure?
If you see the “External” warning, be cautious. Verify the sender’s email address, especially if the message requests sensitive information, contains links, or asks for urgent action. If you’re not in a conversation thread and its asking you to take action like pay a bill or click a link be especially cautious.
4. Will this affect all emails from external sources?
Yes, any email from outside your organization will be marked with the “External” warning.
5. Does this mean external emails are unsafe?
Not necessarily. Most external emails will still be legitimate. However, the warning serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and verify emails that seem suspicious.
6. How should I handle a suspicious email with the “External” warning?
If an email with the “External” warning seems suspicious—such as requesting sensitive information or containing unexpected links or attachments—avoid interacting with it. Instead, verify its legitimacy by contacting the sender directly through a trusted method or open a ticket with IRN.
7. Can I turn this feature off?
Yes, it is possible to disable the “External” warning, but we strongly advise against it. Keeping this alert active adds an extra layer of security to help identify potential phishing attempts and protect your organization. Disabling it could make it harder to spot suspicious emails and increase your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. We recommend leaving this feature on as part of our proactive security strategy.
8. What if I have more questions or concerns?
Call! We’re here to help!