Outgoing mail servers

[silentcry]

This isn't really a pre-sales question, just not sure where else to put it.

Is it normal that the smtp servers on our accounts are as open as they are? I can basically send mail through it from anywhere without using any authentication.

[fuzzfree]

From where can you send emails without auth? From a mail client or php/cgi etc. scripts?

[silentcry]

With any e-mail client..

I loaded up thunderbird on my computer at work .. used my domains smtp and pop3 servers, and voila..

sending e-mail.

[MichaelA]

Personally, my clients prefer this. When they sign up with me, they do not want to be limited to WebBased mail only and want to access it from their computer. The SMTP and Pop3 does go through mail.THEIR_DOMAIN.com. I am not sure what you mean by it being this open? Unless someone has an account, the mailserver settings and password, it wouldn't work as an anonymous e-mail if that is what you are saying.

[amartins]

As far as I know SMTP on HG requires auth.

[JZ]

I know that my server required authentication at one time, but I just turned it off and it works without. This would be a good question for support@hostgator.com to see if they recently changed this.

- Jay

[amartins]

Originally Posted by JZ

I know that my server required authentication at one time, but I just turned it off and it works without.
- Jay

Great way to get ourselves on the blacklists :-(

[silentcry]

At the moment there's not authentication on it .. I'll find out from HG if this is normal or something that was msised..

I'm just here checking out HG as my possible new host, and I noticed this post. I been plagued with spam lately, and much of it traces back to open mail servers in Dallas. I hope HG isn't the source of the open relays! If all accounts have open mail servers, then it could be a spammers heaven.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I'm just here checking out HG as my possible new host, and I noticed this post. I been plagued with spam lately, and much of it traces back to open mail servers in Dallas. I hope HG isn't the source of the open relays! If all accounts have open mail servers, then it could be a spammers heaven.

I would agree. I'm looking for a new host as well, and I like the idea of having SMTP to use, (many hosts have turned that off entirely), but not if it's going to get me on the blacklists.