Body
Summary
This article provides instructions on how to confirm that the Safe Links protection feature is enabled and includes an overview of the Safe Links feature. Safe Links protection URLs begin with https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com . There are several ways to tell if the links in an email message are protected by Safe Links or not.
Content
When sending emails, Microsoft Safe Links helps to protect against malicious links commonly used in phishing attacks. With the Safe Links feature enabled, when you click on a link from within an email message, Safe Links checks the organization’s blocked URL list to confirm the link is not malicious.
Although the link displays as the original URL within the email message, the link really contains the full Safe Links protection URL that reviews the site's safety then passes you through to the original site if it is not malicious.
Example email message with Safe Links enabled. Note that there is no visual indication from just looking at the message.
Links from example email above:
How-To
Task: To confirm that Safe Links is enabled.
Safe Links protection URLs begin with https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com . There are several ways to tell if the links in an email message are protected by Safe Links or not.
Instructions
Option 1 - Hover over a link in your email message. If Safe Links is enabled:
- You will see a pop-up showing you the Original URL and a message to Click or tap to follow the link if you trust it.
- In Outlook on the Web, you will also see the Safe Links URL in the preview at the bottom of your browser.
Example of hovering over the Safe Links URL in Outlook on the Web. Note that in addition to the pop-up with the original URL, you can also see the actual Safe Links https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com URL at the bottom of the browser.
Option 2 - Click the link in your email message. If Safe Links is enabled:
- The Safe Links https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com URL displays in the browser URL address field before the page loads with the original URL.
Option 3 - Copy the link from your email message and paste the link somewhere that you can see it. If Safe Links is enabled:
- The Safe Links protection URL is pasted instead of the original URL that you wanted.
Warning: Be careful copying URLs from email messages to use in other communications, web sites, or KB articles! Make sure you are not accidentally using a Safe Links URL.
Best Practice is to follow the link from the email all the way through Safe Links protection to the original page, then copy the URL from the actual page to use in your communication, article, or web site.
Outcome
You are able to tell if a message has Safe Links protection enabled.
Need additional help?
Submit an Email Services support request with as much detail as possible, or visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.
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