Microcomputer Services

How to Enable Secure Email Passwords

Why the change?
Currently when checking email your computer sends your username and password in clear text, which means that a person could intercept your password and use it for nefarious purposes. The first step to eliminate this security issue occurred several years ago, when Information Services enabled a feature (SSL) that encrypts your password. (Technically, it encrypts the entire POP or IMAP session.)

The second step in this process requires action on your part. Please take a moment now to enable this additional security in your email software. If you check your email from more than one computer, you'll need to update each computer separately.

How to reconfigure your e-mail program
For step-by-step directions select your email program from the table below:

E-Mail Program Company Windows Mac OS
Entourage
Microsoft
 none all versions
Eudora
Qualcomm
 version 5.1.1 version 5.2
Mail
Apple
none
OS X 10.1.3 and later
Mozilla
mozilla.org
version 1
 version 1
Mulberry
Cyrusoft
versions 2 and 3
versions 2 and 3
Netscape
AOL/Time-Warner
version 7
Outlook
Microsoft
not applicable
Outlook Express
Microsoft
version 6.0
 version 5.0
Pine
U. Washington
no changes necessary
 no changes necessary
Webmail
IMHO
no changes necessary
 no changes necessary

Recommended email client versions:

(Notes and minimum system requirements)

What if my e-mail client is too old?
If your e-mail program is older than the versions listed above you may not be able to retrieve mail after Tuesday, April 1, 2003. (No April Fool's joke!) Most older e-mail clients do not support encrypted passwords (SSL). You will need to upgrade to continue receiving mail.

Questions or Concerns?
Contact our Help Desk.