Microsoft has recently announced that it will be stopping older Exchange versions from sending mail through Exchange Online. This is a significant move that will impact organisations that still use older versions of Exchange.

Exchange Online provides enterprise-grade security and reliability, ensuring that users’ data is always protected.

Microsoft is stopping older Exchange versions from sending mail through Exchange Online to improve the security and reliability of the service. Older versions of Exchange may not have the latest security updates or features, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats. This puts users’ data at risk, which is why Microsoft is taking this step to protect its customers.

Microsoft will be stopping the following versions of Exchange from sending mail through Exchange Online:

• Exchange 2010
• Exchange 2013
• Exchange 2016 without Cumulative Update 23 or later
• Exchange 2019 without Cumulative Update 12 or later

Organisations that are still using older versions of Exchange will need to upgrade to a newer version or move to Exchange Online to continue using the service. This may require significant effort and resources, depending on the size of the organization and the complexity of the email system.

However, upgrading to a newer version of Exchange or moving to Exchange Online has several benefits. It provides better security and reliability, ensures that users have access to the latest features, and enables organisations to take advantage of the latest cloud-based technologies.

In addition to upgrading to the latest version of Exchange, organisations should also take other steps to improve their overall security posture. This includes implementing strong password policies, using multi-factor authentication, regularly backing up data, and training employees on how to recognise and report suspicious activity.