SMTP "How secure"

[MRGTB]

I have a question about using the SMTP option in vbulletin.

How secure is it, i hear that there are spy bots that go around harvesting SMTP details to send out millions of emails "SPAM" using your SMTP details.

So I would like to know just how safe it is using this option in vBulletin?

[filburt1]

It's no different than the default settings, provided the SMTP server and the web server are the same one. If not, then you may be sending authentication information across the Internet constantly in plain text.

[MRGTB]

I don't follow you, by default vBulletin uses PHP mail system, not SMTP with your ISP SMTP details.

I have entered the SMTP details into vbulletin software so its that sending the emails out. WAMP the server software I use doesn't come with any SMTP mailing system by default.

[Floris]

Some SMTP servers allow SSL - making its communication more secure. vBulletin supports the SSL setting.