2.24.2.4.11. Proper authentication setup in Outlook 2013-2019

When a mail client connects to a mail server to receive or send mail, authentication is used for security purposes. There are different authentication methods. One of the options could be CRAM-MD5 or APOP, which are currently outdated and insecure. Here's how to check your current settings and set up a more modern and secure authentication method.

In Outlook 2016/2019 for macOS, manual configuration is not required. The application determines the appropriate authentication method automatically.
  1. Open the section "File":
  2. In the tab "Intelligence" click "Server parameters":
  3. Check your inbox settings:
    • The parameters are responsible for encrypting the connection. "Port" and "Encryption method":
      • If the IMAP protocol is used (at the top it is indicated "IMAP account settings"):
        • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 993 and encryption method "SSL/TLS".
        • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 143 and encryption method "No".
      • If the POP3 protocol is used (at the top it is indicated "POP account settings"):
        • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 995 and encryption method "SSL/TLS".
        • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 110 and encryption method "No".
    • The parameter is responsible for authentication "Secure Password Checker (SPA)" — a check mark opposite it necessarily must be removed. If the checkbox is checked, uncheck it.
  4. Expand and check the outgoing mail settings:
    • The parameters are responsible for encrypting the connection. "Port" and "Encryption method":
      • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 465 and encryption method "SSL/TLS".
      • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 25 or 2525 and encryption method "No".
    • The parameter is responsible for authentication "Secure Password Checker (SPA)" — a check mark opposite it necessarily must be removed. If the checkbox is checked, uncheck it.
  5. Save your changes and test your mail.
  1. Open the section "File":
  2. In the tab "Intelligence" click "Account setup…":
  3. Select the required mail account and click "Edit…":
  4. The parameter is responsible for authentication "Secure Password Checker (SPA)" — a check mark opposite it necessarily must be removed. If the checkbox is checked, uncheck it. Next press "Other settings ..":
  5. Check the settings in the tab "Outgoing mail server":
    • Checkmark opposite "SMTP Server Requires Authentication" must be installed.
    • The switch must be opposite "Same as server for incoming mail".
  6. Switch to tab "More" and check your encryption settings:
    • The parameters are responsible for encrypting the connection. "…-server" and "Use the following type of encrypted connection" (for POP3 will be called "Requires an encrypted connection (SSL)"):
      • Incoming mail:
        • If the IMAP protocol is used (the field is named "IMAPserver"):
          • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 993 and the type of encrypted connection "SSL".
          • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 143 and the type of encrypted connection "No".
        • If the POP3 protocol is used (the field is named "POP3server"):
          • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 995 and the checked box opposite the encrypted connection (SSL).
          • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 110 and the unchecked box next to the encrypted connection (SSL).
      • Outgoing mail (field "SMTPServer"):
        • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 465 and encryption method "SSL".
        • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 25 or 2525 and encryption method "No".
  7. Save your changes and test your mail.
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