Deprecation of Remote PowerShell in Exchange Online – Re-enabling or Extending RPS Support
Introduction
Due to security and other considerations, Microsoft recently announced that they have deprecated the legacy Remote PowerShell (RPS) support in Exchange Online. This change affects customers who use the legacy Remote PowerShell protocol with Exchange Online.
This article will provide an overview of the deprecation of the Remote PowerShell protocol, the alternatives available for customers, and the steps required for re-enabling or extending the RPS support.
What is the Remote PowerShell Protocol?
The Remote PowerShell protocol is a legacy protocol used by Exchange Online for remote management tasks. It is a secure, encrypted protocol that provides remote access to Exchange Online services.
The Remote PowerShell protocol allows customers to perform remote management tasks, such as managing mailbox settings, creating and managing distribution groups, and other administrative tasks. The protocol is also used for automated scripts, such as those used for migrations and other tasks.
Why has Microsoft Deprecated the Remote PowerShell Protocol?
Microsoft has deprecated the Remote PowerShell protocol in Exchange Online due to security and other considerations. The protocol is considered to be insecure and has several weaknesses, such as the ability to be susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and data leakage.
Additionally, the Remote PowerShell protocol is not supported on newer operating systems, including Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 and later. This means that customers who are running these operating systems cannot use the Remote PowerShell protocol to manage Exchange Online.
What are the Alternatives for Customers?
Microsoft has recommended that customers use the Microsoft Exchange Online PowerShell Module (EXO PowerShell) as an alternative to the Remote PowerShell protocol. The EXO PowerShell provides a secure, encrypted connection to Exchange Online and is supported on all supported versions of Windows.
The EXO PowerShell also provides a more secure connection than the Remote PowerShell protocol and is a more reliable and efficient way to manage Exchange Online. Additionally, the EXO PowerShell can be used for automated scripts and tasks, such as migrations and other administrative tasks.
How Can Customers Re-Enable or Extend the RPS Support?
Customers who are still using the Remote PowerShell protocol can re-enable or extend the RPS support by following the steps outlined in the Microsoft Exchange Online PowerShell Module (EXO PowerShell) documentation.
The documentation includes steps for connecting to Exchange Online with the EXO PowerShell and steps for creating and managing Exchange Online objects. Additionally, the documentation provides detailed information on how to create and manage Exchange Online objects with the EXO PowerShell.
Conclusion
Microsoft recently announced that they have deprecated the legacy Remote PowerShell (RPS) support in Exchange Online due to security and other considerations. This article has provided an overview of the deprecation of the Remote PowerShell protocol, the alternatives available for customers, and the steps required for re-enabling or extending the RPS support.
Customers who are still using the Remote PowerShell protocol can re-enable or extend the RPS support by following the steps outlined in the Microsoft Exchange Online PowerShell Module (EXO PowerShell) documentation. Additionally, customers can use the EXO PowerShell as an alternative to the Remote PowerShell protocol, as it provides a more secure connection and is supported on all supported versions of Windows.
By understanding the deprecation of the Remote PowerShell protocol and the alternatives available, customers can ensure that their Exchange Online environment is secure and up-to-date.
References:
Deprecation of Remote PowerShell in Exchange Online – Re-enabling or Extending RPS support
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1. “Remote PowerShell in Exchange Online Deprecation” (7,300 monthly
