Level Up

Challenge #4

Stay Alert with Spam Notifications

Upgrade your email security with proactive spam notifications in Exchange Online. Keep you or your administrators informed and act swiftly against potential email threats.

Administrative alerting for spam received

Why?

Email is not just a communication tool; it’s a gateway that can either protect or expose your business to cyber threats. That’s why it’s crucial to have a system in place that doesn’t just block spam but also alerts you when suspicious activity occurs. With Exchange Online Protection (EOP), you already have a defense against spam. But to strengthen this defense, configuring your Spam Policies to send notifications is key.

By setting up these alerts, you create an early warning system. Imagine it as a watchful guardian that quickly informs your administrators, possibly even you, whenever there’s unusual email activity, such as an account sending out spam. This is not just about filtering unwanted emails; it’s a strategic move to understand and address vulnerabilities in your email system. Quick detection means quick action, preventing potential breaches and ensuring that your email communications remain a secure channel for your business.

How?

Enabling spam notifications in Exchange Online is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can set up these vital alerts to enhance your email security:

    Step 1: Go to the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal

    On your computer, launch a new browser window (Edge, Chrome), and type in https://security.microsoft.com/ and press enter.

    Note: You will require Microsoft 365 administrative credentials – be sure to have the username and password ready.

    Step 2: Adjust Email & Collaboration Policies

    Within the Microsoft Defender Center:

    • Look for and select Email & Collaboration along the left-hand side menu
    • Under Email & Collaboration, look for and select Policies & rules
    • In the Policies & rules window, select Threat policies
    Step 3: Edit Anti-spam Settings
    • Within the Threat policies window, under Policies, find and select Anti-spam
    • In the Anti-spam policies, select the Anti-spam outbound policy (Default)
    Step 4: Set Up Notifications
    • In the new blade (a nice name for that window that appeared after clicking the outbound policy), scroll down and select Edit protection settings
    Step 5: Save Your Settings
    • Once you are satisfied, click Save.

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