Starting June 28, 2026, we’re introducing improved email protection directly within your existing email tools.

What is New?

• Security is now built directly into your email experience.
• Warning messages will appear at the top of emails to help you identify potentially suspicious or unsafe content.
• Links and attachments are automatically scanned before you open them.
• Protection extends to files shared directly via OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams.
• You can now report suspicious messages using the Microsoft Report button, available from the shield icon or the right-click menu.

Accessing Quarantined Emails

If any incoming messages were quarantined (held outside your mailbox until you actively release them), you will receive an email digest from KAUST Email Management with instructions on how to review/release them. You will only receive a quarantine digest if your messages have been quarantined. If no messages are quarantined, you will not receive a digest email.

You can review and manage your quarantined messages directly from the bottom of your digest emails, or via the Microsoft quarantine portal.

What Changes You Will Notice

During the initial rollout, the email protection system will adapt to KAUST’s email environment and continuously improve how messages are sorted. Some emails may be incorrectly sorted at first, but accuracy will improve over time as the system is optimized.

IT will continue tuning trusted-sender settings and email management controls. After this initial phase, a survey will be sent for your feedback for further optimization.

Please contact the IT Service Desk if you encounter any issues during the initial rollout.

To learn more about this service and view screenshots of examples - visit this page.

Note for Gmail Users: Your email experience will remain unchanged. You may only notice minor layout changes in system notifications related to blocked macros.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

• Submit a ticket at servicedesk.kaust.edu.sa
• Contact the IT Service Desk on 910 or 012-8080-910
• Talk to our chatbot VITA at it.kaust.edu.sa
• Visit our Walk-in Support Desk during business hours

KAUST IT
it.kaust.edu.sa