If you use Webmail to send email messages or forms (invoices, estimates, purchase orders, etc.) from QuickBooks, prior technology has relied upon SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol), which is no longer recommended by many Webmail providers.
With the new Secure Webmail feature, QuickBooks 2018 Desktop provides enhanced security using OAuth 2.0 – the industry-standard protocol for authorization.
QB2018_secure_webmail
Security is not the only benefit of this new Secure Webmail feature. It also makes Webmail more convenient by no longer requiring you to enter your Webmail password for each session. Now you can simply enter your credentials one time as part of the Secure Webmail set up. You will also be able to change your Gmail configuration and turn-off the "Allow less secure apps" setting, making your Gmail more secure overall.
To configure Secure Webmail:
- Select Preferences from the Edit Menu
- Choose Send Forms
- Select the My Preferences tab
- Choose the WebMail radial-button
- Click Add
- On the Add Email Info window, enter your Email Id
- Select your Email Provider via the Drop-down list
- Check the Use enhanced security (Recommended) checkbox
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
- As part of the set up process, you'll provide your Intuit ID. If you don't already have an Intuit ID, you'll have the option to create a new Intuit ID. You'll also have the option to recover your existing Intuit ID if you don't know your log-in credentials.
- After logging in, you'll authorize "full account access" for QuickBooks with your Webmail provider. QuickBooks will securely store your Webmail credentials so that you can send emails securely via QuickBooks. (Note: This process is very similar to the way that QuickBooks Online users authorize a particular app to share information with QBO.)
I should mention that this new enhanced security Webmail feature is entirely optional at this point. Some users may elect to continue using their current email set up, which makes use of the SMTP protocol.
But be aware that most Webmail providers are migrating their security away from SMTP. At some point soon they may require the use of the OAuth protocol, thus necessitating the adoption of this new enhanced security feature.
Editor's Note: The information and screen shots appearing in this article were taken from a pre-release version. There could be differences from what's included here and what exists within the initial or subsequent releases of the software.
Get the inside scoop on 2018 QuickBooks Desktop
Join us for our next "QB Talks" on Sept. 13, where our very own Murph will share what he knows about the new 2018 QuickBooks Desktop roll out. If you're using Desktop, this will be one of your first opportunities to get "the inside scoop."
To sign up for the 1 p.m. (EST) session, click HERE.
To sign up for the 6 p.m. (EST) session, click HERE.