Basic Authentication Deprecation in Exchange Online – Time’s Up
Introduction
The time has come for organizations to make the necessary changes to ensure their Exchange Online environment is compliant with the deprecation of basic authentication. Basic authentication has been a long-standing authentication protocol used in Exchange Online and other cloud services, however, Microsoft is now requiring all users to use Modern Authentication (MFA) to access the service. This blog will outline what organizations need to do in order to comply with this change, as well as the benefits it will bring.
What is Basic Authentication?
Basic authentication is a form of authentication that has been used in Exchange Online and other services for many years. It is a simple, username and password-based authentication method that is easy to set up and use, but it does not offer the same level of security as modern authentication protocols such as MFA.
Why is Microsoft Deprecating Basic Authentication?
Microsoft is deprecating basic authentication for Exchange Online in order to increase security and reduce the risks associated with using this authentication method. The deprecation is part of Microsoft’s continued commitment to security and compliance and will help ensure that customer data is protected.
What are the Benefits of Modern Authentication?
Modern authentication offers a number of benefits compared to basic authentication, including:
* Increased security: Modern authentication protocols use multi-factor authentication, which provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide additional information in addition to their username and password.
* Improved user experience: Modern authentication protocols provide a more seamless user experience by allowing users to seamlessly sign in to applications and services with a single sign-on.
* Improved compliance: Modern authentication protocols make it easier to comply with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA.
What Steps Do Organizations Need to Take to Comply with the Deprecation of Basic Authentication?
Organizations need to take the following steps to comply with the deprecation of basic authentication:
* Enable MFA: Organizations need to enable MFA for all users who access Exchange Online. This can be done through the Azure Active Directory portal or PowerShell.
* Disable Basic Authentication: Organizations need to disable basic authentication for all users who access Exchange Online. This can be done through the Exchange Online PowerShell.
* Educate Users: Organizations should educate users about the importance of using MFA for accessing Exchange Online.
* Monitor Access: Organizations should monitor access to Exchange Online to ensure that users are not using basic authentication.
Conclusion
The deprecation of basic authentication in Exchange Online is a necessary step for organizations to take in order to increase security and comply with industry standards and regulations. It is important for organizations to take the necessary steps to ensure their Exchange Online environment is compliant with the deprecation of basic authentication. The benefits of modern authentication will far outweigh the inconvenience of making the necessary changes.
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Basic Authentication Deprecation in Exchange Online – Time’s Up
