Every day, inboxes across the world are flooded with unwanted messages — and while some are just annoying spam, others are far more dangerous. Phishing emails are cleverly disguised attacks designed to steal your personal information or infiltrate your organization’s systems. Knowing how to recognize and report these threats is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself and your company. In this article, you’ll learn the key differences between spam and phishing, why reporting matters, and how to report suspicious emails in Outlook in just a few clicks.
What Is Spam?
Spam, also known as junk email, refers to unsolicited messages usually sent in bulk. These emails are typically promotional in nature — think advertisements, newsletters, or irrelevant offers from unfamiliar senders. While spam is generally not harmful, it can clutter your inbox, distract you from legitimate messages, and in some cases, contain misleading content or hidden tracking links. Reporting spam helps your email filters learn what to block in the future and keeps your inbox clean and focused.
What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a form of cyberattack where a malicious actor impersonates a trusted entity — like a bank, coworker, or known brand — to trick you into sharing sensitive information. These emails often include urgent language, suspicious links, or attachments designed to steal login credentials, financial data, or access to internal systems. Unlike spam, phishing is actively dangerous. Identifying and reporting phishing attempts is critical to protecting both personal and organizational security.
Why Reporting Matters
Email is one of the most common ways attackers try to breach company defenses. In fact, 91% of successful data breaches start with a phishing email. These messages are crafted to look legitimate but are designed to steal your credentials, personal data, or company access. Spam, while usually less harmful, still clutters inboxes and can distract from critical communications. Knowing the difference — and how to report both — is your first line of defense.
Reporting in Outlook
Thankfully, Outlook makes reporting suspicious emails easy. With just a couple of clicks, you can flag a message as phishing or junk. These reports are sent to Microsoft and your company’s security platform for analysis. The best part? If you’re unsure, report it as phishing — your security team will handle it from there. Every report helps strengthen your company’s defense against future attacks.
Think before you click — and report before you delete. Watch the quick video above to learn how to report phishing and spam in under 60 seconds. Your action could stop the next breach.
Need expert help to safeguard your business? Dark Rhino Security specializes in cybersecurity solutions tailored for small businesses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.
