Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is an information security tool used to help diminish the risk that IUP email users will fall victim to having their account compromised. In addition, ATP helps protect computers, devices, and data as well. ATP tools used include Safe Links and Safe Attachments.

Safe Links changes the website address (URL) with a longer URL that begins with https://...safelinks.protection.outlook.com.../. When a user tries to access the website included in the message, Microsoft will evaluate the link in real time to assess the safety of the site. Microsoft will activate the link automatically if the assessment concludes the website is safe. Otherwise, Microsoft will provide a warning message if the assessment concludes that the site is unsafe. This service does not guarantee that all links which are scanned are safe, but does guard against many known unsafe sites and is continually updated with new information about malicious sites. If you see a warning message and have questions, please log a ticket in ihelp.

Safe Attachments results in an evaluation of any email attachments within a message. The behavior of the attachment when opened is assessed, and the message is delivered if the attachment is deemed safe. Messages are not delivered if the attachment is deemed unsafe. It can take a few minutes for Microsoft to make this assessment. This means that messages sent to a user that include attachments may take a few minutes for delivery.

Why is IUP using Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and its Safe Links and Safe Attachment tools?

ATP helps protect IUP's email environment and therefore its users from malicious activity. This protection also helps diminish inconvenience and accompanying dissatisfaction from users.

Will iup.edu sites be subject to the Safe Links checking?

No, iup.edu sites will be exempt from Safe Links.

What happens if I click on a link that is not safe?

The Safe Links warning page will display. Here is an image of the Safe Links warning page:

ATP Safe Links Warning

I sent another user a link to a website in an email message. But the user received a very long, cryptic website address that I did not send. Why did this happen, and is it normal?

Microsoft Safe Links replaces the original website address with necessary information so that it can assess the safety of the website before a user is sent to the website.

I need a user to view an attachment immediately. Is this possible?

You can upload your file to your OneDrive cloud space, then share the file with the person your are emailing.

Microsoft OneDrive Information

Will ATP, Safe Links, or Safe Attachments cause delays in my use of IUP email?

Attachments will be scanned upon receipt of that attachment has not previously been scanned by Safe Attachments. These messages might be delayed for a few minutes until the scan completes.

Are Safe Links and Safe Attachments fully accurate?

No. There is no guarantee of accuracy. However, these tools are generally very helpful and are updated against many known unsafe sites. The tools are continually updated with new information about malicious sites.

Will the sender be notified if a message sent to me is not delivered because an attachment is determined to be unsafe?

Yes, the sender of the email will receive a notification that their email did not reach you.

I received a message stating "This website has been classified as malicious" after going to a link in an email message. Did I do something wrong to cause this?

No. This message occurs when Safe Links determines that a website link in an email message is unsafe.

I have received an email message with a long, cryptic website address because it was changed by Safe Links. Is it Ok to forward this message to another user?

Yes. Website addresses changed by Safe Links do not change the ability of another user to access the website.