Discussion for all: IMAP + Safety

[CWM550]

I was told that it's safer to stay on POP3, than it would be to move to IMAP / Exchange / etc.....

I am just wondering if there's any truth in that?

Can hackers still get into your mailbox, even with 2 step turned on?

Context:
I use Fastmail with 2-Step ON with Authenticator App for verification.

Thanks!

 

[Diane Poremsky]

Each account is safer in its own way....

POP: signin is more likely to use clear text, so less safe - but if you delete mail from the server, a hacker only gets new mail.
IMAP: signin might be clear text or oAuth and mail is on the server so it syncs between devices. If a bad guy gets into your device, they have access to all your mail.
Exchange- generally safer but it all comes down to your password. Like imap, mail is only the server and syncs to all devices. Hacker would have access to your calendar & contacts too.

2-step verification is more secure but not 100% foolproof (there is always a better fool. ).

In most cases, I tell clients to use the account type they are most comfortable with or that meets their needs the best. Occasionally I need to tell them to use a specific protocol because it's better, such as with exchange servers and Outlook - the "experience" is better with exchange protocol.

 

[CWM550]

Each account is safer in its own way....

POP: signin is more likely to use clear text, so less safe - but if you delete mail from the server, a hacker only gets new mail.
IMAP: signin might be clear text or oAuth and mail is on the server so it syncs between devices. If a bad guy gets into your device, they have access to all your mail.
Exchange- generally safer but it all comes down to your password. Like imap, mail is only the server and syncs to all devices. Hacker would have access to your calendar & contacts too.

2-step verification is more secure but not 100% foolproof (there is always a better fool. ).

In most cases, I tell clients to use the account type they are most comfortable with or that meets their needs the best. Occasionally I need to tell them to use a specific protocol because it's better, such as with exchange servers and Outlook - the "experience" is better with exchange protocol.

I tried Exchange twice, and to me, it was confusing, I always had to call support and ask how to do things...

I kinda did like it though. But really, Exchange has WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too many settings pages to keep up with!

ADMIN PORTAL
EXCHANGE PORTAL
This
That
Everywhere! lol

Chris

 

[Diane Poremsky]

if you are the admin, yeah, there are lots of settings- but for the most part, you can set it and forget it. Outlook.com is also Exchange... and there are quite a few Exchange resellers who manage all that for you.

If you need calendar and contacts everywhere but don't want exchange, you can make do with Gmail, iCloud, or yahoo and gsyncit addin.