Do you send your emails from a 2007, 2010 or 2013 Exchange Server? Microsoft is starting with delaying and will eventually block emails that are sent from vulnerable email servers. So it’s high time to upgrade to a new and more secure version of Exchange.
Why has Microsoft decided to block emails from vulnerable mail servers?
The two biggest reasons why Microsoft plans to block emails from vulnerable email servers is to improve email security and to minimise phishing attacks. This decision is based on the fact that vulnerable email servers are often an easy entry point for hackers to access the rest of the network. By blocking emails from vulnerable email servers, Microsoft aims to force users of vulnerable and older email servers to upgrade to a secure version. The measure by Microsoft will improve the security of email systems and strengthen the protection of user data.
What does this mean for me?
Do you send your emails from a 2007 Exchange server to an email address that uses Exchange Online? Initially, the e-mails will land in the Exchange Online user’s inbox after some delay. This ensures that the administrator of a vulnerable email server isn’t suddenly faced with the unpleasant fact that no more emails are sent. Microsoft will lengthen the delay in steps to gradually increase the inconvenience, until eventually the user sees the necessity to update the system. The next step involves blocking the emails altogether.
After Exchange 2007, the same measures will be taken for Exchange 2010 and 2013. Exchange 2016 and 2019 servers that are lagging behind on security updates are also seen as persistently vulnerable. Microsoft has no immediate plans to apply the ‘delay and block’ protocol for those servers.
When does the measure take effect?
Microsoft will send targeted notices to customers 30 days before their version of Exchange Server will be included in the enforcement system. Our tip: don’t risk your emails not arriving and upgrade to a new and more secure version of Exchange straight away.
Want to know more?
Are you protected from cyber attacks with the measures of Microsoft? Definitely not. There is always a lurking danger of a cyber attack. How can you prevent a cyber attack? Our experts help you make your organisation safer online.
Lucas Vousten | +31 (0)40 240 9516 | lvousten@joanknecht.nl
Ties Meesters | +31 (0)40 240 9459 | tmeesters@joanknecht.nl