Key Takeaways
- The Office of Information Security (OIS) has introduced the “Abnormal Report Phish” button to replace the legacy “Report Phish” option for reporting suspicious emails at Case Western Reserve University.
- Clicking the button triggers an instant automated security review and delivers rapid feedback via an automated follow‑up email within minutes.
- On desktop computers the button appears in the email client’s add‑on side‑bar; on mobile devices it shows up at the bottom of each email.
- Users should stop using the old three‑dot drop‑down “Report Phish” method, as it is being phased out.
- If the button cannot be found, suspicious emails can still be forwarded to [email protected] or [email protected].
- For help locating the button or any questions, contact the UTech Help Desk at help.case.edu or 216.368.HELP (4357).
Overview of the New Reporting Tool
As part of its ongoing commitment to safeguard the university’s digital environment, the Office of Information Security (OIS) has rolled out an enhanced mechanism for reporting potentially malicious email: the “Abnormal Report Phish” button. This tool replaces the older, less efficient “Report Phish” option found in the three‑dot drop‑down menu of webmail accounts. By centralizing the reporting process into a single, prominently placed button, OIS aims to reduce the time between a user’s suspicion of a threat and the initiation of a security investigation, thereby strengthening the university’s overall cyber‑defense posture.
Core Benefits: Instant Automation and Rapid Feedback
The primary advantage of the new button lies in its built‑in automation. When a user clicks “Abnormal Report Phish”, the system immediately flags the email for an automated security review, eliminating the need for manual triage by security analysts. Within a few minutes, the user receives an automated follow‑up email that summarizes the analysis results—indicating whether the message was deemed safe, suspicious, or confirmed as phishing. This rapid feedback loop not only informs the reporter promptly but also helps educate the campus community about emerging threats in real time.
Using the Button on Desktop Clients
For users accessing email through a desktop or laptop client (such as Outlook, Thunderbird, or the web‑based Case Western Reserve portal), the “Abnormal Report Phish” button is located in the add‑on side‑bar that appears alongside the message pane. To report a suspicious email, simply open the message, locate the side‑bar (usually on the right‑hand side of the screen), and click the button. The action is instantaneous; no additional dialog boxes or confirmation steps are required, streamlining the reporting process and reducing friction for busy faculty, staff, and students.
Using the Button on Mobile Devices
Recognizing that many members of the university community check email on smartphones and tablets, OIS has ensured the button is equally accessible on mobile platforms. When viewing an email in the mobile client, the “Abnormal Report Phish” button appears at the bottom of the email screen, typically as a clearly labeled tap‑target. Tapping the button triggers the same automated review and feedback process as on desktop, providing a consistent experience regardless of device. This uniformity encourages users to report threats promptly, whether they are at their desk or on the go.
Phasing Out the Legacy Reporting Method
The old “Report Phish” option—accessible via the three‑dot drop‑down menu in webmail—has been designated as a legacy method and is being gradually retired. OIS advises all users to discontinue reliance on this older pathway and adopt the new button as their primary means of reporting suspicious emails. While the legacy option may still function temporarily, continued use could delay analysis and undermine the benefits of automation. By consolidating reporting into a single, standardized tool, the university reduces ambiguity and ensures that every report follows the same rapid‑response workflow.
Alternative Reporting Channels and Support Resources
Should a user be unable to locate the “Abnormal Report Phish” button—perhaps due to a customized email interface or a temporary technical issue—OIS provides two fallback email addresses for manual reporting: [email protected] and [email protected]. Forwarding the questionable message to either address will initiate a security review, though the process may lack the instantaneous automation and rapid feedback of the button. For assistance locating the button, troubleshooting installation issues, or answering any questions about the new reporting workflow, users are encouraged to contact the UTech Help Desk via the online portal at help.case.edu or by phone at 216.368.HELP (4357). The Help Desk can also provide guidance on configuring email clients to display the add‑on side‑bar if it is hidden by default.
Best Practices and Closing Recommendations
While the “Abnormal Report Phish” button significantly improves the speed and reliability of threat reporting, vigilance remains a shared responsibility. Users should continue to scrutinize incoming messages for common phishing indicators—such as unexpected attachments, urgent language, mismatched sender addresses, or requests for sensitive information—before clicking links or downloading files. Keeping operating systems, browsers, and email clients up to date further reduces the risk of exploitation. By combining the new reporting tool with proactive email hygiene, the Case Western Reserve University community can help maintain a secure digital campus and mitigate the impact of cyber threats. OIS encourages everyone to make the “Abnormal Report Phish” button their go‑to action whenever doubt arises about an email’s legitimacy.