From the 15th of June 2024 Google is making changes to its Google Workspace security options. This includes the use of Less Secure Apps (LSA) which will no longer be available after the update.
What are Less Secure Apps (LSA)?
Less secure apps are anything that use your email username and password to access 3rd party services outside of Google Mail. This can include 3rd party mail providers, 3rd party calendar providers and SMTP.
What is SMTP?
SMTP stands for simple mail transfer protocol and is often used on websites to send emails from contact forms. With Less Secure Apps enabled you can currently enter your Google email details in to an SMTP app or plugins and it will allow you use your email account to send emails through your website. But as of June 2024 this will no longer be possible.
What happens if I don’t update Less Secure Apps (LSA)?
If you don’t update Less Secure Apps you will likely not receive an error through your website or SMTP service. It is likely that the forms will just stop working and you will not be notified or realise until notice a drop in enquiries and you send a test email. So if you don’t want to lose out on enquiries then you need to get updated. For emails, you will likely be notified that the password cannot be used.
How can you keep SMTP and emails working after the Less Secure Apps update?
You will need to create what is known in Google Workspace as an App Password. This essentially allows you to use your email address and the App Password to use your email account without having to directly access it.
How can I create an App Password for a Google email account?
You will need a paid Google Workspace email account to do this and will need 2-factor authentication switched on. Watch the video below to find out how to create app passwords for SMTP in Google Workspace.
You can read more about the Less Secure Apps update and App Passwords here.
