SMTP Authentication
SMTP Authentication is a security mechanism that requires email clients or servers to verify their identity with credentials (typically a username and password) before being allowed to send emails through an SMTP server. It prevents unauthorized use of mail servers, reducing spam and ensuring that only legitimate users can relay messages. This is commonly implemented using protocols like PLAIN, LOGIN, or CRAM-MD5 to securely transmit authentication data.
Developers should learn and implement SMTP Authentication when building email-sending applications, such as notification systems, marketing tools, or user registration workflows, to comply with anti-spam policies and server security requirements. It is essential for integrating with modern email services like Gmail, Outlook, or custom mail servers that mandate authentication to prevent abuse and ensure deliverability.