Outlook security - Outlook.com

We’ve got your back when it comes to protecting your account from fraud. Whether it’s a link in email that appears to be from your bank, fake notifications from social networking sites, or malicious advertisements; we keep up with the latest scams so you don’t have to. Below are some simple steps you can take to help keep your account even more secure.

1. Add security information to your account


Add a current alternate email address and mobile phone number to your account, and then keep that information up to date. Also, select a security question and provide the answer. Add this security information to your account.

Add a current alternate email address and mobile phone number to your account, and then keep that information up to date. Also, select a security question and provide the answer. Add this security information to your account.

2. Don't sign in from a computer you don't trust


To add a Outlook.com account to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, follow these quick steps: Outlook.com signs you in with a more secure connection by default with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). This means your info is encrypted as it's sent over the Internet every time you sign in. However, be wary of using a computer that could have password-stealing software on it. If you want to sign in to Outlook.com from a public computer, you can use a single-use code, which is a code you can use instead of your password to sign in with your Microsoft account. (Note: Single-use codes are not yet available in all regions.) Learn more

To add a Outlook.com account to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, follow these quick steps:

Outlook.com signs you in with a more secure connection by default with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). This means your info is encrypted as it's sent over the Internet every time you sign in. However, be wary of using a computer that could have password-stealing software on it. If you want to sign in to Outlook.com from a public computer, you can use a single-use code, which is a code you can use instead of your password to sign in with your Microsoft account. (Note: Single-use codes are not yet available in all regions.)

Learn more

3. Check the address bar when you sign in


If the URL that appears in the address bar when you sign in doesn't include login.live.com, you could be on a phishing site. Don't enter your password.

If the URL that appears in the address bar when you sign in doesn't include login.live.com, you could be on a phishing site. Don't enter your password.

4. Look for the trusted sender icon


The trusted sender icon lets you know that a message is from a legitimate sender that Outlook.com has verified, like your bank or the Outlook team. If you see the trusted sender icon, that email is safe to open.

The trusted sender icon lets you know that a message is from a legitimate sender that Outlook.com has verified, like your bank or the Outlook team. If you see the trusted sender icon, that email is safe to open.

5. Watch for yellow and red safety bars


A yellow safety bar means that a message contains blocked attachments, pictures, or links to websites. Check the sender of the message and make sure that you trust them before downloading any attachments or pictures or clicking any links. A red safety bar means that the message you received contains something that might be unsafe and has been blocked by Outlook.com. It's recommended you don't open these types of email messages and delete them from your inbox.

A yellow safety bar means that a message contains blocked attachments, pictures, or links to websites. Check the sender of the message and make sure that you trust them before downloading any attachments or pictures or clicking any links.

A red safety bar means that the message you received contains something that might be unsafe and has been blocked by Outlook.com. It's recommended you don't open these types of email messages and delete them from your inbox.

6. Mark email addresses you know as safe


If you trust the person or website that sent you a message, you can mark them as safe. This sends any messages from them straight to your inbox.

If you trust the person or website that sent you a message, you can mark them as safe. This sends any messages from them straight to your inbox.

7. Create a strong password


An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers. Also, change it periodically and avoid using the same password for other services.

An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers. Also, change it periodically and avoid using the same password for other services.

8. Don't share your password


Outlook.com and Microsoft will NEVER ask you for your password in an email.

Outlook.com and Microsoft will NEVER ask you for your password in an email.

9. Use antivirus software


You can help protect your computer against viruses by using antivirus software, such as Microsoft Security Essentials. To help prevent the most current viruses, make sure you update your antivirus software regularly.

You can help protect your computer against viruses by using antivirus software, such as Microsoft Security Essentials. To help prevent the most current viruses, make sure you update your antivirus software regularly.