11/29/2023
By Michael Cipriano

UML Information Security is dedicated to the ongoing evaluation of cybersecurity protocols and practices to safeguard the UMass Lowell community and systems. As part of this commitment, we are enhancing our email security by transitioning to Proofpoint Secure Email Protection. This platform serves as the industry-leading email gateway, offering robust protection against sophisticated email attacks that specifically target our campus, such as business email compromise (BEC), phishing, ransomware, and supply chain threats. Understanding that 94% of external cyber threats originate from email, Proofpoint Secure Email Protection is a pivotal measure in breaking the attack chain. Leveraging AI-based technology, it disarms advanced threats and provides threat intelligence to UMass Lowell’s Information Security team, contributing to the ongoing efforts to keep the campus safe from malicious attackers.

This transition is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m.

As part of the upgrade, users can expect new color-coded email warning tags, providing clear indications when a message originates from outside the university, prompting extra caution with external senders.

Additionally, a "Report Suspicious" button will be integrated into the email warning tag for external senders, enabling users to easily report phishing and other potentially suspicious messages from any email client or device. Any e-mail reported using this feature will be instantly analyzed, and if necessary, escalated to UMass Lowell Information Security for further review.

To enhance user control, Proofpoint allows users to manage their safe sender lists, ensuring that any messages delivered to the Junk folder can later be permitted for future delivery to the inbox.

Outlook users can also add senders to their Outlook Safe Senders list, while those using other mail applications can:

  • Go to www.uml.edu/spam (sign-in with your UML credentials if prompted)
  • Select the recent message(s) you would like to allow
  • Select the green “Allow Sender” option at the top of the page
All future messages from these senders will be delivered to your inbox, and of course if you ever need to check or manage your lists, you will find the “Lists” option in the bottom left.
This proactive approach empowers you to play a leading role in the maintenance of a secure email environment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Information Security team at infosec@uml.edu.