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 One of the options could be CRAM-MD5 or APOP, which are currently outdated and insecure.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. Click "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 “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 the section "Server parameters»And check the settings for incoming mail:
   • The parameters are responsible for encrypting the connection.Port"And"Connection protection»:
     • If the IMAP protocol is used (opposite "Server type"Indicates"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"Indicates"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 “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.