How To Add Phishing Button In Outlook

The phishing button in Outlook lets you report suspicious messages with one click. If you want to know How To Add Phishing Button In Outlook, you are in the right place. This guide walks you through every step, from setup to troubleshooting.

Phishing attacks are common in email. A phishing button makes reporting easy. It helps your IT team act fast. Let us show you how to add it in Outlook.

What Is A Phishing Button In Outlook

A phishing button is a tool in Outlook. It lets you report emails that look fake or dangerous. When you click it, the message goes to your security team. They can then block the sender or warn others.

This button is not built into Outlook by default. You must add it using an add-in or a custom script. Many organizations use it to improve email security.

Why You Need A Phishing Button

Phishing emails can steal your data. They often look real. A phishing button helps you report them fast. This protects you and your coworkers.

Without a button, you might forward the email. That takes time. The button automates the process. It also sends extra details, like headers.

Here is the step-by-step guide. Follow these instructions carefully. They work for Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365.

Method 1: Using A Built-In Add-In (Microsoft 365)

Microsoft 365 has a built-in add-in for reporting. It is called the Report Message add-in. You can add it from the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Open your Outlook desktop app.
Go to the “Home” tab.
Look for the “Get Add-ins” button. It is in the ribbon.
Click it. A store window opens.
Search for “Report Message” or “Report Phishing”.
Find the add-in by Microsoft. Click “Add”.
Follow the prompts to install it.

Once installed, you will see a new button in the ribbon. It might say “Report” or show a shield icon. Click it to report phishing emails.

Method 2: Using A Custom Add-In (For IT Admins)

If you are an IT admin, you can deploy a custom add-in. This gives you more control. You can use a PowerShell script to add it.

Open Exchange Admin Center.
Go to “Organization” > “Add-ins”.
Click the plus icon to add a new add-in.
Choose “Add from the Office Store”.
Search for “Report Phishing” or a similar tool.
Select it and click “Install”.
Assign it to users or groups.

You can also use a custom URL. This works if you have an internal reporting tool. Just paste the URL in the add-in settings.

Method 3: Adding A Phishing Button In Outlook Web (OWA)

Outlook on the web also supports add-ins. The steps are similar but simpler.

Log in to Outlook on the web.
Click the gear icon (Settings).
Select “View all Outlook settings”.
Go to “Mail” > “Customize actions”.
Look for “Add-ins” section.
Click “Manage add-ins”.
Search for “Report Message” and add it.

After adding, you will see the button in the toolbar. It appears when you open an email.

Configuring The Phishing Button For Your Organization

After adding the button, you need to configure it. This ensures reports go to the right place. Here is how.

Setting Up The Reporting Email Address

Most add-ins let you set a destination email. This is where reports are sent. For example, you can send them to security@yourcompany.com.

Open the add-in settings.
Find the “Reporting email” field.
Enter the email address.
Save the changes.

Some add-ins also let you add a custom subject line. Use something like “Phishing Report” for clarity.

Testing The Button

Always test the button after setup. Send a test email to yourself. Mark it as phishing. Check if the report arrives.

Send a fake phishing email to your own inbox.
Open the email.
Click the phishing button.
Check the reporting inbox for the forwarded message.

If it does not work, check the add-in permissions. Also verify the email address is correct.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes the button does not appear. Or it fails to send reports. Here are common fixes.

Button Not Showing In Ribbon

If the button is missing, try these steps:

Restart Outlook.
Check if the add-in is enabled. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
Disable and re-enable the add-in.
Update Outlook to the latest version.

If you use Outlook on the web, clear your browser cache. Then reload the page.

Reports Not Being Sent

If the button works but reports do not arrive, check these:

Verify the reporting email address.
Check spam filters. They might block the reports.
Ensure the add-in has permission to send emails.
Test with a different email account.

Sometimes the issue is with the add-in itself. Try reinstalling it.

Best Practices For Using A Phishing Button

Using the button is simple. But there are best practices to follow.

Train Your Users

Teach everyone how to use the button. Show them what phishing looks like. Run regular drills.

Make sure they know not to click links in suspicious emails. Just report them.

Monitor Reports Regularly

Check the reporting inbox daily. Look for patterns. If many users report the same email, it is likely a real attack.

Block the sender and alert the team. This stops the attack from spreading.

Integrate With Security Tools

Some add-ins work with security platforms. For example, you can send reports to Microsoft Defender. This automates threat analysis.

Check if your add-in supports integration. If yes, set it up for better protection.

Alternatives To The Built-In Add-In

If the built-in add-in does not work, try third-party tools. They offer more features.

PhishAlarm

PhishAlarm is a popular tool. It works with Outlook. It adds a button that sends reports to your security team.

It also provides analytics. You can see who reports the most.

KnowBe4 Phish Alert Button

KnowBe4 is another option. It is easy to set up. It integrates with their security training platform.

When users report a phishing email, it is automatically analyzed.

Custom VBA Macro

For advanced users, you can create a VBA macro. This adds a button manually. It is more work but gives full control.

Open Outlook and press Alt+F11.
Insert a new module.
Paste the macro code.
Assign the macro to a button in the ribbon.

This method requires coding skills. It is not recommended for beginners.

Security Considerations

Adding a phishing button improves security. But there are risks.

False Reports

Users might report legitimate emails by mistake. This wastes time. Train them to double-check before reporting.

Set up a confirmation dialog. Ask “Are you sure?” before sending the report.

Data Privacy

Reported emails contain sensitive data. Ensure the reporting inbox is secure. Only authorized people should access it.

Encrypt the reports if possible. This prevents data leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Add A Phishing Button In Outlook 2016?

Outlook 2016 supports add-ins. Go to the Home tab and click “Get Add-ins”. Search for “Report Phishing” and install it. If you use an older version, you might need a custom script.

Can I Add A Phishing Button In Outlook For Mac?

Yes, but the steps are different. Outlook for Mac does not have the same add-in store. You can use a third-party tool or a web-based solution.

What If The Phishing Button Does Not Work?

First, restart Outlook. Then check the add-in settings. If it still fails, reinstall the add-in. Contact your IT admin for help.

Is There A Free Phishing Button For Outlook?

Yes, Microsoft offers a free Report Message add-in. It is included with Microsoft 365. Third-party tools often have free trials.

How Do I Remove A Phishing Button In Outlook?

Go to File > Options > Add-ins. Find the add-in and click “Remove”. Or disable it from the same menu.

Conclusion

Adding a phishing button in Outlook is a smart move. It helps you and your team stay safe. The process is simple, whether you use a built-in add-in or a custom tool.

Remember to test the button after setup. Train your users on how to use it. Monitor reports regularly. This will keep your organization protected from phishing attacks.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you will have a working phishing button in no time. Stay vigilant and report suspicious emails quickly.