What is the KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB)?
The KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button is an easy-to-use feature allows you to quickly report suspicious emails, helping protect both your account and the University.
Each report supports our cybersecurity awareness efforts and also helps improve protections within Microsoft 365, strengthening spam and phishing detection to stop threats before they reach your inbox.
What happens when I use the KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB)?
Using the “Phish Alert” button helps do more than just flag a suspicious email, it actively strengthens our overall email security. When you report a message, our team reviews it to determine if it’s malicious, and if confirmed, we use that information to improve our defenses.
Over time, this helps our systems better recognize and block similar phishing attempts automatically, reducing the chances of those threats reaching you or others in the future.
What distinguishes the KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB) from Microsoft’s “Report Message” button?
The KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button allows you to report suspicious emails while also supporting the University’s cybersecurity awareness initiatives, including phishing simulation campaigns.
Microsoft’s “Report Message” button, part of Microsoft 365, submits reported emails to Microsoft to help strengthen spam and phishing detection across its services.
How do I use the KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB)?
Microsoft 365 & Outlook Desktop:
Step 1: Open the email that you would like to report.
Step 2: Locate the "Phish Alert" Button.
- Microsoft 365 (web) & New Outlook: Click the Apps icon in the top-right corner of the emai
App icon in classic Outlook desktop app
App icon in Outlook outlook for Mac desktop app
Step 3: Select “Phish Alert.”
Click the "Phish Alert" button from the menu.
Step 4: Confirm The Report.
In the prompt window:
- *The ‘Sender’s Details’ setting is for your personal use and can be shown or hidden as you prefer.*
- Choose an email classification (Phishing or Suspicious/Spam or Junk.)
- Add a comment if helpful.
- Click "Report" button to confirm submission.
Step 5: Review Confirmation.
A confirmation message will appear telling you whether:
- The email was part of a simulated phishing test, or
- It has been sent to NCCU ITS Security for review
Click OK to close the message.
Outlook Mobile App:
Step 1: Open the email that you would like to report.
Step 2: Click the vertical ellipsis icon (...) at the upper right corner of the email. Check the rest of the screen if you do not see the button in this location
.
Step 3: Click the "Phish Alert" Button.
Step 4: In the pop-up window that opens, click the "Phish Alert" Button to report the email. You may also choose an Email Classification and leave a comment.
Step 5: After you click the Report button, a message will display to confirm that you reported the email. This message will tell you if the email you reported was a simulated phishing attack or if the email will need to be reviewed by ITS Security team. To close this message, click Ok.
Please submit a Service Desk ticket if you have any feedback, questions or concerns about the KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button (PAB).