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Using OAuth with ActiveSync and POP/IMAP: A Practical Guide

Unlock the New Wave of Exchange Online Security with OAuth
The Exchange Online team is always looking for ways to provide the latest and most secure experience for our users. Today, we’re excited to announce the release of OAuth for ActiveSync and POP/IMAP in Exchange Online. This new feature allows users to access their Exchange Online mailbox with enhanced security, as well as provides additional protections for organizations that want to ensure their data is safe and secure.

What is OAuth?
OAuth is an open standard that allows users to securely access services without having to provide their username and password. It is an authorization protocol that enables applications to access user data without having to store their credentials. OAuth uses tokens instead of passwords, making it much more secure than traditional authentication methods.

Benefits of OAuth for Exchange Online
The introduction of OAuth for Exchange Online brings numerous benefits for users and organizations. For users, OAuth provides an extra layer of security when accessing their mailbox. By using a token instead of a password, users can be sure that their data is safe and secure. Additionally, users can now access their mailbox without having to re-enter their credentials every time they sign in.

For Organizations
Organizations can also benefit from the introduction of OAuth for Exchange Online. With OAuth, organizations can be sure that their data is secure and that users are not sharing their credentials. Additionally, OAuth allows organizations to better control access to their Exchange Online mailboxes, as they can control who can access their data and how they can access it.

How to Set Up OAuth for Exchange Online
Setting up OAuth for Exchange Online is easy and straightforward. First, you need to enable OAuth authentication in the Exchange Online Admin Center. Once you’ve done that, you need to generate an app password for each user that will be using OAuth. Finally, you need to configure your mail client to use OAuth for authentication. The details of the configuration process will vary depending on the mail client you are using, so be sure to consult the documentation for the specific mail client you are using.

Conclusion
The introduction of OAuth for Exchange Online is a welcome addition to the Exchange Online family of features. With OAuth, users can be sure that their data is secure, while organizations can better control who can access their Exchange Online mailboxes. Setting up OAuth for Exchange Online is easy and straightforward, so be sure to try it out if you want to take your Exchange Online security to the next level.
References:
Notes from the field: Using OAuth for ActiveSync and POP/IMAP in Exchange Online

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