Microsoft Basic Authentication Deprecation

What is Microsoft Basic Authentication?

Basic Authentication is how Microsoft's system verified who you are via username and password, but this process is now outdated. Microsoft is deprecating its Basic Authentication and is moving to what they call "Modern Authentication", which includes Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) policies.

 

Who is making this change?

Microsoft, the company, is making the change, along with other global tech companies. They are deprecating old policies and bringing in more secure procedures for everyone using their systems.

 

How do I know if I will be affected?

If your applications are using the Basic Authentication policies, then your applications will not correctly authenticate you, thus not allowing you to use the applications as expected. Below are instructions for most situations on how to know if you are using Basic Authentication or Modern Authentication and how to resolve the issue.

 

iPhone

Are you using iOS 10 (or older) or a non-Microsoft app to access your TN Tech email?  If yes, Modern Authentication is not supported with the mail app. You will need to download the Microsoft Outlook application to resolve this issue.
Are you using iOS 11 or newer?  If yes, and you start having issues, please follow the instructions below:
  1. Remove your TN Tech account from your iOS device
    1. Open Settings > Accounts & Passwords
    2. Select your TN Tech account
    3. Tap "Delete Account"
  2. Add the TN Tech account back to your iOS device
    1. Open Settings > Accounts & Passwords
    2. Tap "Add Account"
    3. Select "Exchange"
    4. Enter your full TN Tech email and any description that you'd like to save
    5. Enter your TN Tech password
    6. The mail app may ask for permission. If so, click "Accept."
    7. Select the services/apps you would like the account to sync. Tap "Save"

 

Android

Are you using built-in Mail and/or Calendar? If yes, Modern Authentication is not supported with the built-in Mail or Calendar app. You will need to download the Microsoft Outlook application to resolve this issue.

 

MacOS Computer

Are you using the Outlook application?  If yes, this will continue to work as expected. 
Are you using the Mail/Calendar app and Mac OS 10.14 (or newer)? 

If yes, this can continue to work. Mac OS 10.14 and newer support Modern Authentication. Your Mail and Calendar apps may function without any incidents. But if the app fails, below are some instructions to resolve the issue by removing the account from your Mail app and adding the account back.

Removing the Account

  1. Open the "Mail" app.
  2. Click "Mail" (top left) and then click "Preferences."
  3. Click "Accounts."
  4. Select the account and then click the "-" at the bottom-left of the window.
  5. You will get a pop-up to open the "Internet Accounts" page if this account is used for multiple things. If so, you will need to:
    1. Open the "Internet Accounts" page
    2. Un-check the boxes to disconnect the account
    3. Click the "-" at the bottom left again.

Adding the Account

  1. Clicking the "+" at the bottom-left of the "Accounts" page
  2. Click "Microsoft Exchange," then "Continue."
  3. Then fill out the information and follow the prompts to sign in to your email again. 
Are you using the Mail/Calendar app and Mac OS 10.13 (or older)? If yes, Modern Authentication is NOT supported in the built-in Mail and Calendar apps. To use Outlook, you will need to do one of the following:
  1. Upgrade your macOS operating system
  2. Install Outlook for Mac
  3. Use Outlook through TechExpress (Mail QuickLink)

 

Windows Computer

Are you using Outlook 2016 or newer or Office 365?  Your version of Outlook should already be using Modern Authentication. 
Are you using Outlook 2010 or older?  These versions of Outlook do NOT support Modern Authentication, so these versions of Outlook will no longer work. Solutions for this are:
  1. Upgrade to a new version of Outlook
  2. Use Outlook through TechExpress (Mail QuickLink). 
Are you using Outlook 2013?  This version of Outlook supports Modern Authentication and Basic Authentication. This version of Outlook will continue to work as long as Modern Authentication is enabled. To tell if you are using Modern Authentication, you can distinguish the difference between the two by your login prompt. Screenshots of these login prompts can be found here under "How do you know if your users will be impacted?"

If you are still using Basic Authentication, you can resolve this by:
  1. Upgrade to a new version of Outlook
  2. Use Outlook through TechExpress (Mail QuickLink)

 

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have any questions about the situation or would like assistance with the instructions above, please get in touch with the IT Help Desk at 931-372-3975 or helpdesk@tntech.edu.

Print Article