Query on Basic Authentication

Question

Hi All

i am using exchange online relay i.e smtp.office365.com with port 587 and a service account in an application but application is not triggering any email. Does it come under basic authentication. Do i need to use Modern authentication. Do it come under version1 method of authentication which is not supported by microsoft. i remember few months back i got a notification that basic authentication will be disabled on our tenant. Experts guide me.

Answer 1

Hi @Rising Flight ，

The recommended practice is using Modern Authentication when connecting with Microsoft 365 service, but according to the official article, "there are no plans to disable Basic Authentication for SMTP AUTH clients at this time.". So, it doesn't appear to be the cause in your case.

With the above being said, it's recommended to go through the instructions in the document below and double confirm if all the requirements have been met for this setup to work.
How to set up a multifunction device or application to send emails using Microsoft 365 or Office 365

And if it still doesn't work, you can also take a look at the other methods provided in the above link to send emails from the application.

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Answer 2

It appears that you are using Exchange Online for SMTP relay with a service account in your application, and you are concerned about the authentication method being used. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Microsoft has been moving towards modern authentication and phasing out basic authentication for better security.

Here are some considerations and recommendations:

Modern Authentication:

• Microsoft strongly recommends using modern authentication for improved security. Modern authentication supports features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and provides a more secure and flexible authentication mechanism.

Basic Authentication Deprecation:

• Microsoft has announced plans to deprecate basic authentication for various services, including Exchange Online. While specific timelines may vary, it's crucial to be aware that Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to modern authentication.

SMTP Relay with Service Account:

• If your application is not triggering emails, ensure that the service account and application are configured correctly. Check if the service account has the necessary permissions for SMTP relay in Exchange Online.

Application Support for Modern Authentication:

• Verify if your application supports modern authentication. Some older applications might need updates to support modern authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0.

Tenant-Specific Information:

• Check for any specific notifications or announcements in your Microsoft 365 Admin Center related to the deprecation of basic authentication in your tenant. Microsoft typically provides guidance on such changes.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking the latest Microsoft documentation, especially the Exchange Online and authentication-related articles. Additionally, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or community forums for assistance tailored to your specific environment and configuration.