Microsoft is ending support for the legacy Basic Authentication in email. As a result, older email apps that use Basic Authentication will no longer be compatible with UChicago email. This change impacts certain mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
What is changing?
Although it is simple to set up and use, Basic Authentication makes it easier for attackers to capture users’ login information and increases the chance of your identity being stolen. Because of this security vulnerability, Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support Basic Authentication for Office 365 email, in favor of the more secure Modern Authentication. By March 31, 2022, it will no longer be possible to get University email using Basic Authentication. If you are interested in knowing more, please visit our Modern Authentication FAQ.
For reference, the following operating system versions and email applications support Modern Authentication.
| Device Type | Operating System Version | Email Application |
| iOS (iPhone, iPad) | 11.3.1 or later | Apple Mail Outlook for iOS |
| Android | 8.0 or later | Most bundled email apps Outlook for Android |
What to do
You may attempt to fix the problem yourself following the instructions here. Otherwise, please feel welcome to contact Social Sciences Computing Services to help you apply the fix.