Fix Microsoft Planner Notifications Failing Attachment Security Checks
Question details
Microsoft Planner email notifications are being blocked by security software because their attachments reportedly do not meet RFC 2183 standards.
- Product
- Microsoft Planner
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Receiving automated email notifications for new or overdue tasks from Microsoft Planner while using strict email security filters.
- Observed behavior
- Email notifications are flagged and intercepted by security software like Avast and Sophos for violating RFC 2183 requirements, preventing users from receiving task alerts.
Ensure you have administrator access to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, as resolving backend email formatting issues requires submitting an official service request to Microsoft.
Submit a Service Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Because the notification format is managed internally by Microsoft Planner, a Microsoft 365 administrator must contact support to investigate and fix the backend formatting.
Since the forum or end-user settings cannot inspect or alter the automated notification format generated by Planner, the issue must be escalated to Microsoft 365 technical support. They can investigate why the headers are triggering the RFC 2183 security checks in Avast and Sophos.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin center at admin.microsoft.com and log in using your Global Administrator or Billing Administrator credentials.
On the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Support' and then select 'Help & support' from the expanded menu.
In the search box, briefly describe the issue (e.g., 'Planner email notifications fail RFC 2183 attachment check') and press Enter to view recommended solutions.
If the automated solutions do not resolve the issue, click the headset icon or 'Contact support' button to open a new service request. Provide the bounce-back details and security logs for Microsoft to review.
Configure a Controlled Security Exception (If Approved)
If task notifications are urgently needed, consult your security vendor documentation to whitelist the specific Planner notification sender.
Enhance Your Team's Collaboration with WPS Office
While waiting for Microsoft to resolve backend Planner notification issues, consider WPS Office for your document management and collaboration needs. WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that ensures seamless team communication and easy document sharing without triggering complex email attachment blocks.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to access the secure, free download.
- 2. Download and Install: Click the 'Free Download' button, run the installer, and follow the simple on-screen prompts to set up the suite.
- 3. Open and Collaborate: Launch WPS Office, sign in, and start opening your Microsoft Office files instantly with full formatting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RFC 2183 and why does it block Microsoft Planner emails?
RFC 2183 is a standard that defines the syntax for the 'Content-Disposition' header in email messages. Security software like Avast and Sophos flag emails that do not strictly adhere to this format to prevent malicious attachments. Planner notifications occasionally generate headers that strict filters reject.
Should I turn off my attachment security filter to fix this?
No, it is highly recommended not to disable your security filters. Doing so leaves your organization vulnerable to malicious attachments from other sources. You should rely on a backend fix from Microsoft or a strictly controlled exception approved by your security vendor.
Does this attachment issue affect other Microsoft 365 services?
Typically, this specific RFC 2183 formatting issue is isolated to automated notifications generated by Microsoft Planner. Standard emails sent via Outlook or Exchange generally comply with the standard and pass attachment security checks without issues.
Who can submit a support ticket in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center?
Only users with specific administrator roles, such as Global Administrator or Support Administrator, can create and manage service requests in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to request investigations into backend formatting.
