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That's just an alternative way of getting messages from the client to the mail server. The problem with SMTP is that mail servers use it to send messages to eac
by andor 15y ago
That's just an alternative way of getting messages from the client to the mail server. The problem with SMTP is that mail servers use it to send messages to each other, and that there is no authentication for servers. Since there is no authentication, spammers can just connect to any mail server and dump their messages. On the other hand, it's what makes email an open system, and enables you to receive mails from any other server.
- pornel 15y ago> Since there is no authentication This is mostly solved. You can't just connect to any server, because your "end-user" IP is likely to be in DUL/PBL or other policy-based blacklist. Open Relay is now forbidden and SMTP from end-user to mail server requires authentication. For server<>server communication you need to use SPF at least. Although authentication is theoretically optional, in practice you won't be able to reach many servers without any.