2.24.2.2.3. Configuring Thunderbird Authentication Correctly

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 One of the options could be CRAM-MD5 or APOP, which are currently outdated and insecure.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.

To properly configure authentication in Thunderbird, do the following:

  1. In the main Thunderbird window, right-click on the added account and select "Options":
  2. Clickon "Change SMTP Server":
  3. Check outgoing mail settings:
    • The parameters are responsible for encrypting the connection. "Port" and "Connection protection":
      • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 465 and connection protection "SSL/TLS".
      • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 25 or 2525 and connection protection "No".
    • The parameter is responsible for authentication "Authentication method" — its meaning necessarily should be "Regular password" (for an encrypted connection) or "Password, no transmission protection" (for an unencrypted connection). If set to a different value, change it to one of the above.
  4. Switch to section "Server parameters" and check your inbox settings:
    • The parameters are responsible for encrypting the connection. "Port" and "Connection protection":
      • If IMAP is used (opposite "Server type" indicated "IMAP mail server"):
        • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 993 and connection protection "SSL/TLS".
        • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 143 and connection protection "No".
      • If the POP3 protocol is used (opposite "Server type" indicated "POP3 mail server"):
        • In order for the connection to the server to be encrypted, recommended use port 995 and connection protection "SSL/TLS".
        • If an unencrypted connection suits you, you can use the port 110 and connection protection "No".
    • The parameter is responsible for authentication "Authentication method" — its meaning necessarily should be "Regular password" (for an encrypted connection) or "Password, no transmission protection" (for an unencrypted connection). If set to a different value, change it to one of the above.
  5. Save your changes and test your mail.
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