In March 2018, ITS implemented a change within the University’s email system, placing a label at the top of the message body for all emails coming from non-Drake senders. Designed to help recipients pay attention to the source of incoming messages and reduce the likelihood of compromise, it has made a noticeable difference in our security awareness efforts.

Over time, however, the label has become increasingly inconspicuous, and we’ve received feedback that it blends in with the email body.

On July 7 we’ll be updating the look of the label with different wording and color for better prominence. Examples of the new label are shown below.

As a reminder, email labeling is an automated process that does not examine message content, only the message sender. This labeling does not indicate whether a message is malicious, it just informs recipients that message is not from a Drake sender. Every email you receive, especially those from unknown senders and/or containing links or attachments should be carefully reviewed before acting.

Please contact me with any questions, at informationsecurity@drake.edu.

— Peter Lundstedt, ITS