Google and third party apps

[chriskleeman]

All of a sudden, Google (In this case, Gmail) disabled access to Thunderbird, identifying it as a "Less secure app). This happened a few days ago on December 11. I've been using Thunderbird for years configured with one of my Gmail accounts and have never seen this. Google blocked the sign-on attempts and sent me an email to that effect. I have been able to remedy the problem, having figured out how to turn on access to third party apps, but what a giant pain in the butt. By default, access to third party apps is turned off in Google accounts.

I like the way Thunderbird displays emails much more than the way Gmail does, so I'm going to continue to use it. Google is still identifying that there is a "Security risk" using Thunderbird, but this seems a bit heavy-handed to me.

 

Chris

[Xairbusdriver]

[Google] this seems a bit heavy-handed to me

What?! Google is "heavy-handed"? Surely you jest! They can "do no harm"! Didn't you get the memo?

I assume Thunderbird is an App. Can you not set up a 'forward' all mail to another account (Apple?) and then have Thunderbird receive it on your Mac (while keeping Mail closed/shutdown)?

I agree that Google has no business tell you what App to use to receive/read your email... but I'm sure they mean "no harm". I would assume they are reading/scanning your email before you even know it's available, anyway.

[Paddy]

Google, in its heavy-handed attempt to get everyone in the universe to use their apps and their web browser etc. etc. also tells one that Apple Mail or Outlook or any other Mail app is a "security risk." It's because the application stores your password; Google wants you to be using two factor ID and then create an app password. Instructions are here if anyone feels motivated to do it: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/185833?hl=en

I can't be bothered. I just allow Gmail to use "insecure" apps and carry on.

[Xairbusdriver]

I can't be bothered.

You are obviously using a more secure OS!