Overview
Quarantine emails are messages that Ohio University's email security system flags and holds back because they might be dangerous, potential spam, or contain security threats like malware or phishing attempts.
Why Do Emails Get Quarantined?
Emails can be quarantined for various reasons, including:
- Suspicious Attachments: Emails containing attachments that appear to be potentially dangerous (e.g., executable files, scripts).
- Phishing Attempts: Emails that impersonate trusted sources to steal personal information or credentials.
- Spam: Mass unsolicited emails often containing irrelevant or promotional content.
- Unusual Sender Behavior: Emails coming from senders with suspicious activity or unknown sources.
- Content Filters: Emails with certain keywords or patterns (e.g., "free offer," "click now") that trigger security filters.
- Malware Detection: Emails detected as containing malicious software or links.
How Do I Know If An Email Has Been Quarantined?
Users will not receive any notification from OIT if an email has been quarantined. However, users may become aware of a potential quarantine if they do not receive an email they are expecting or if a sender follows up asking for a reply or acknowledgment to an email they did not receive.
Reporting Messages That You Suspect May Have Been Quarantined
If you expected an email you did not receive or you notice a legitimate email has not arrived to your inbox, please submit a ticket at help.ohio.edu for assistance and troubleshooting. Please include the sender's email address and date sent in the ticket.
Best Practices for Handling Suspicious Emails
- Always Be Cautious: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email, err on the side of caution. Avoid opening attachments or clicking links until you can confirm the sender's authenticity.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for additional protection against email-based attacks.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest email-based threats (e.g., phishing techniques, spoofing) to better identify suspicious messages. Utilize OHIO's Phish Bowl to review known phishing attempts or to learn how to report a suspicious email.
Quarantining emails is an essential part of protecting the email system from threats like malware, phishing, and spam.
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