Continuous progress in software development shows there is a growing need for newer and more secure security features and standards. With it inevitably comes a time when the new standards supersede the old, which need to be deprecated so the new standard can become the norm.

We are on the verge of another such moment with Microsoft deprecating the Basic authentication feature of their Exchange Online messaging solution and requiring OAuth 2.0 token-based authentication as a more secure measure.

This process started in 2019 and since then millions of users moved away from Basic authentication. The process is still not done as the usage is still not zero:

Protocols that are in scope for disablement:
• MAPI
• RPC
• Offline Address Book (OAB)
• Exchange Web Services (EWS)
• POP
• IMAP
• Exchange ActiveSync (EAS)
• Remote PowerShell

Not in scope for this disablement (won’t be changed):
• SMTP AUTH

This change will require users to upgrade their applications and scripts that still use Basic Authentication to use the new stronger authentication methods if they want to continue using Exchange Online past January 1st 2023.

Here at Robotiq.ai we are always taking steps to ensure our technology complies with software industry standards. We’ll be ready for the upcoming switch in functionality as well as work with our Clients and Partners to make the switch as easy as possible.

For further information on this topic please visit:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/clients-and-mobile-in-exchange-online/deprecation-of-basic-authentication-exchange-online