G-Suite Users: Prepare for This Drastic Change to “Less Secure Apps”

Attention G Suite Users

In An Effort to Make Google Accounts More Secure Against Hijacking Attempts, Google Will Be Turning Off a Popular Method of Signing Into “Less Secure Apps” Next Year…

There are two primary ways to enable an app to sign into your account: using an OAuth token or with a username/password combination. Apps that use the username/password combination, however, are referred to as “less secure apps” due to the increased risk of hijacking. Google recently announced on their G-Suite Updates Blog that they’ll be turning off this method of signing into “less secure apps” in June, 2020. What users will be impacted the most? Those who are using the following legacy apps:

1. Calendar
2. Contacts
3. Email

Fortunately, many apps have already started supporting OAuth, which means there should only be a few apps that are still relying on the outdated method of a username/password login. However, it’s worth taking inventory and finding replacement apps for those that will no longer be usable.

Google’s “Less Secure Apps” Deadlines to Keep in Mind…

On June 15, 2020, “less secure apps” that haven’t been used before will no longer allow you to sign in via username/password. On February 15, 2021, ALL “less secure apps” will no longer allow you to sign in via username/password. For the time being, G-Suite is impacted but personal Google Accounts are not. If you’re relying on legacy applications that don’t provide the option to use OAuth, you have two options:

1. Find a suitable replacement
2. Reach out to the developer

Naturally, your best bet is to find a suitable replacement – and fortunately, you have over a year to sort out your options. If you’re working with G-Suite and Outlook to connect mailboxes, start getting used to using OAuth or use G-Sync in preparation for the upcoming change. Alternatively, an option we highly recommend is switching to Microsoft Office 365 altogether. This would allow you to avoid the hassle of finding suitable replacements for each and every legacy application.

Why Microsoft Office 365?

Microsoft Office 365 is made for collaboration and anytime, anywhere access to all of your applications and documents. There’s no need to worry about “less secure apps” as Microsoft Office 365 has built-in security features that protect all of your applications and documents from unauthorized access. It’s entirely cloud-based – giving you the accessibility you need to work from any location or device using:

• Word
• PowerPoint
• Excel
• OneNote
• Outlook
• Publisher
• Access

The apps can be installed on various devices, including Macs, PCs, iPhones, iPads, Android tablets and Android smartphones.

Migrate to Microsoft Office 365 Before June 2020. Call (404) 781-0200 to Schedule a Consultation.