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Insecure Google apps

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  • Last reply by david

Rigid Doors
Rigid Doors
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Is Thunderbird an "insecure app" from Gmail's viewpoint?

Two recent emails from Gmail state on 30 May 2022 "insecure apps" will no longer work with Gmail. Despite warnings, Gmail don't state if Thunderbird is an insecure app, are they trying to force users onto their clunky front end through fear and misinformation? I have been using Thunderbird as a front end for Gmail for at least 15 years and never had security issues.

Login to Facebook and Nextdoor and probably many more social media platforms can now be done with your Gmail password. Both of those social media platforms have real security issues; therefore I find Gmail's advance warnings contradictory in the extreme.

To reiterate wil Thunderbird be affected, if so can its configuration be tweaked allow continued use of Thunderbird as a Gmail front end after 30 May 2022?

Thankyou, Rich

Is Thunderbird an "insecure app" from Gmail's viewpoint? Two recent emails from Gmail state on 30 May 2022 "insecure apps" will no longer work with Gmail. Despite warnings, Gmail don't state if Thunderbird is an insecure app, are they trying to force users onto their clunky front end through fear and misinformation? I have been using Thunderbird as a front end for Gmail for at least 15 years and never had security issues. Login to Facebook and Nextdoor and probably many more social media platforms can now be done with your Gmail password. Both of those social media platforms have real security issues; therefore I find Gmail's advance warnings contradictory in the extreme. To reiterate wil Thunderbird be affected, if so can its configuration be tweaked allow continued use of Thunderbird as a Gmail front end after 30 May 2022? Thankyou, Rich

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david
david
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Google is security-conscious and wants to ensure that no client accesses gmail without your approval. Since Thunderbird is not under Google control, it's considered insecure. Getting access just requires authorizing Google to allow Thunderbird to access the gmail account.

Using OAUTH2 has been an option for several years and now it will soon be mandatory for Gmail. TB has that option and it's rather straightforward. You need to change authorization by going to tools>account settings>server settings and changing authentication method to OAUTH2 and then going to tools>preferences>privacy&security and remove the gmail passwords - highlight account, rightclick and remove password. After that, shut down TB and restart. You will be presented with a menu to log into gmail to grant access to TB. Once done, life should resume.