Make your emails pass the trust test

Knowing how to spot sketchy email addresses, question supposedly urgent messages, and look out for weird links are keys to combating phishing. But you don’t just need to be on the lookout for phishing emails: You should also aim to write emails that avoid phishing red flags. Read on to find out how to craft messages that your recipients can easily tell are trustworthy.

Official communication? Use your Rutgers email
Always use your Rutgers email account when coordinating with colleagues or students. Sending messages from a personal email address can give others the impression that non-Rutgers emails are normal for communicating and coordinating. The result? Recipients may start to think that an email from a non-Rutgers address shouldn’t raise any concerns.

New project? There’s a group for that
Instead of using a random, non-Rutgers email address for specialized email groups or new projects, investigate email distribution options that are already available within Rutgers Connect, ScarletApps or Rutgers’ email distribution services.

Use Rutgers tools for Rutgers tasks
It’s important to use Rutgers-approved tools for official tasks whenever you can so that your business can easily be associated with the university. If you’re unsure about your department or units’ preferred tools, your local IT team can point you in the right direction.

Customize your links
Sometimes, Rutgers-approved tools create external links, which could be seen as a phishing sign. If that’s the case, simply use go.rutgers.edu, Rutgers’ homegrown link shortener, to create a customized, Rutgers-branded link.

Keep it clear, calm, and verifiable
One simple way to ensure your messages don’t look suspicious is to keep your tone calm, clear and consistent rather than urgent. Including your official website or department contact information gives recipients a way to verify whether communications are legitimate.