Q: What is [External] Email Tagging
A: External Email Tagging is where the tag “[External]” is added to the beginning of the subject line for all email messages that were sent from external sources. In other words, messages not from appstate.edu.
Q: What is the purpose of the [External] tag?
A: The [External] tag is there to help you to realize the message did originate from an appstate.edu email address. With a message tagged as [External] you need to consider:
- Exercise caution on all external messages, especially with links or attachments you are not expecting.
- Is it from a sender you know? Were you expecting the email? Verify with the sender of the message over the phone if you are unsure or if the email seems a bit off.
- Does the message make sense? A legitimate message would not ask you to provide your credentials to maintain your account access.
Q: Are all [EXTERNAL] tagged messages dangerous?
A: No. Many legitimate messages come from external sources. However, a common phishing method is via Email. The [EXTERNAL] tag helps bring attention to email messages that are not from the University.
Q: When is this change taking effect?
A: Monday, October 26, 2020
Q: Can I opt out of or turnoff [EXTERNAL] tagging?
A: No, [EXTERNAL] tagging is added to all non-appstate.edu email subject lines to help signify email from external sources.
Q: I received an email that was tagged as [EXTERNAL], but it came from a system my department uses on a regular basis. Is there a way to get an exemption from the [EXTERNAL] tagging?
A: It is the intent that all external messages should have the [External] tag. However, in some cases it may be possible to configure the service to send email as appstate.edu. Please enter a Tech Support Ticket at https://tech.appstate.edu for assistance.