Exchange Online Basic Auth Ends: Time to Upgrade Now!
Beat the 2025 Deadline: How to Upgrade from Exchange Online Basic Auth - Your Complete Guide!
Key insights
- Prepare for Exchange Online Basic Auth Permanent Retirement by September 2025: Microsoft has announced the permanent retirement of the SMTP Authentication protocol in Exchange Online. Users need to migrate away from it before the deadline.
- Audit and Identify Replacement Services: Organizations should begin to audit services using SMTP client submission and identify secure replacement services offered by Microsoft or consider third-party services.
- Replacement Services Include High Volume Email and Azure Communication Services: Microsoft provides alternative services such as High Volume Email for internal and external communication, and Azure Communication Services for integrating various communication services into applications.
- On-premises Exchange Relay and Direct Send with Microsoft 365: For those with on-premise Exchange or requiring simpler solutions, using on-premises Exchange Relay or the Direct Send feature in Exchange Online are viable options.
- Consider Trusted Third-party Services: For SMTP Client submission needs, it's recommended to use trusted third-party email security providers, ensuring a secure transition away from SMTP AUTH.
Understanding the Transition Away from SMTP AUTH in Exchange Online
Microsoft’s decision to permanently retire SMTP AUTH in Exchange Online by September 2025 is a significant step towards enhancing email security. This move requires organizations to review their existing email sending practices and audit services that utilize SMTP client submission. The aim is to migrate to more secure authentication methods to prevent potential security vulnerabilities associated with basic authentication.
Prepare for Exchange Online Basic Auth Permanent Retirement. Learn how to prepare your email environment for the permanent retirement of SMTP auth in Exchange online by September 2025. It has been almost 5 years since Microsoft announced the planned retirement of the SMTP AUTH protocol for Exchange Online and while there have been many improvements and attempts to completely get rid of it since, a firm date has been set.
September 2025, Microsoft have announced the permanent retirement of the SMTP Authentication protocol in Exchange Online and if you haven’t already migrated away from it, keep reading this post to learn about your options! Audit services that use basic SMTP Authentication. Identify replacement servicesHigh Volume Email Azure Communication ServicesOn-premises Exchange RelayDirect send with Microsoft 365Third party services.
Microsoft offers several replacement options including High Volume Email and Azure Communication Services, which provide secure alternatives for sending emails. For those with an on-premises setup, the use of an Exchange Relay can maintain email functionality, while Direct Send offers a straightforward method for sending emails from devices and applications.
However, it's crucial for organizations to not only rely on internal solutions but also consider the reliability and security of third-party email service providers. Choosing providers that align with organizational security standards is key to ensuring a smooth transition. By planning ahead and selecting the right services, organizations can effectively navigate the cessation of SMTP AUTH in Exchange Online, maintaining security and efficiency in their email communications.
Read the full article Prepare for Exchange Online Basic Auth Permanent Retirement
Keywords
Exchange Online Basic Auth Retirement, Basic Authentication End Exchange Online, Prepare Exchange Online Auth Shutdown, Exchange Online Auth Transition, Exchange Online Basic Authentication Stop, Adapt Exchange Online Basic Auth End, Exchange Basic Auth Retirement Plan, Migrate Exchange Online Basic Auth