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Using Secure SMTP To Send Mail

Secure SMTP provides an authenticated, encrypted connection for sending mail. The mail client on your remote machine connects to the secure SMTP service at Brown CS directly.

Secure SMTP is SMTP over a secure connection implemented through two protocols, SMTP/TLS or SMTPS. SMTP/TLS or STARTTLS is an extended SMTP protocol that encrypts mail over TLS (Transport Layer Security) on TCP port 25 (RFC2487) or 587 (RFC2476). SMTPS protects mail over SSL (Secure Socket Layer) on TCP port 465.

Setting up secure SMTP

To use secure SMTP, you must first establish an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) password, which you will use each time you read your email. Do not use your unix password.

On a department system, run 

	% sslpasswd
and type in a password.

If you have already done this to set up secure IMAP you do not need to do so again.

Configure Your Mail Client

On your remote machine, you must configure your mail client to use the CS Department's secure SMTP server to send your mail. The exact details vary depending on the mail client.

Outgoing Mail Server

  1. Set the outgoing mail server to smtps.cs.brown.edu.
  2. Set Secure Connection over port 25(TLS only), 465(SSL only) or 587(TLS only).
Unless you have great faith in the security of your remote machine, we do not recommend that you select "remember password".
Page Owner: Tstaff Account Last Modified: Fri May 26 10:24:13 2006