Check whether an Outlook re-authentication email is legitimate

Introduction

If you receive an email asking you to re-authenticate your Outlook account, treat it with caution. Phishing emails often try to create urgency and get you to click a link or enter your password. This article explains what to do next and how to verify the message safely.

What to do first

• Do not click any links in the email.

  Do not enter your password, verification code, or any other personal information.

  Delete the email if you do not recognize it or if it looks suspicious.

  Contact your IT support team to confirm whether the message is legitimate.

How to verify the email safely

1. Check the sender address carefully for misspellings, unusual domains, or unexpected characters.

2. Look for signs of phishing, such as urgent language, threats, or requests for sensitive information.

3. If needed, contact your IT support team using a trusted phone number or internal contact method, not the information in the email.

4. If IT confirms the request is legitimate, follow their instructions to reset your password or re-authenticate your account.

If you already clicked a link

If you clicked a link or entered information, contact your IT support team immediately. They can help you secure your account, review recent activity, and reset your password if needed.

Best practices for future emails

• Use trusted channels to confirm any unexpected account request.

• Keep your password private and never share it by email.

• Report suspicious messages to your IT support team so they can protect other users.

Conclusion

When in doubt, do not interact with the message. Delete suspicious re-authentication emails and let your IT support team verify whether action is needed.