Unsupported Devices
To improve security and protect user data, we have implemented stricter, industry-standard security measures on our mail.tibus.net service. As part of these enhancements, we no longer support certain legacy devices and outdated login methods. This change specifically impacts devices, software, and operating systems that only support TLS 1.0 and 1.1. This document explains why we’ve made these changes and provides guidance on updating to supported configurations.
The problem with TLS 1.0/1.1
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a protocol that encrypts data between your device and our servers. However, TLS 1.0 and 1.1 have known vulnerabilities that make them inadequate for today’s security standards. Security organisations, internet standards bodies and government agencies such as the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), recommend against using these versions. Additionally, compliance or security audits will flag the use of these protocols as high risk. By requiring TLS 1.2 or higher, we ensure that your data is protected with stronger, modern encryption methods.
Affected software
These are known versions of device, software and operating systems that do not support TLS1.2+ and so cannot connect to our mail service:
- Google Chrome: Versions 21 and earlier: These versions do not support TLS 1.2.
- Internet Explorer: IE 8-10 on Windows 7 and earlier do not support TLS 1.2 by default.
- Mozilla Firefox: Versions 5.0 and earlier do not support TLS 1.2.
- Android Default Email App
- Android versions prior to 4.1 (Jelly Bean): The default email clients on Android versions older than Jelly Bean may not support TLS 1.2, making them insecure for modern email servers.
- Apple Mail
- Older macOS versions (prior to 10.8.4): Apple Mail clients on older macOS versions (like Snow Leopard and earlier) will not support TLS 1.2.
- IOS Mail
- Versions prior to iOS 5.0: The Mail app on these versions may not support TLS 1.2.
- Microsoft Outlook
- Outlook 2007 and earlier: These versions do not natively support TLS 1.2.
- Outlook 2010: TLS 1.2 is not enabled by default but can be enabled with updates and registry modifications.
- Outlook Express: Since this was bundled with Windows XP and older Windows versions, it does not support TLS 1.2.
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- Versions prior to Thunderbird 38: Older versions may not have built-in support for TLS 1.2. Thunderbird 38 and later versions fully support TLS 1.2.
- Windows Live Mail
- Older versions: May not support TLS 1.2, depending on the underlying Windows version it is running on.
- Windows XP and Windows Vista: These operating systems do not support TLS 1.2.
- Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2: TLS 1.2 is not enabled by default but can be enabled through updates and registry modifications.
- macOS versions prior to 10.8.4 (Mountain Lion): These versions do not support TLS 1.2.
- iOS versions prior to 5.0: These versions do not support TLS 1.2.
- Android versions prior to 4.1 (Jelly Bean): These versions do not support TLS 1.2.
Impact and What to do?
If you are using a device, application or operating system that only support TLS 1.0 or 1.1, you may have the following issues:
- Inability to connect to the Tibus mail platform to check email
- Failed login attempts or error messages regarding unsupported protocols
- Unable to reach/view the webmail page
If you are currently using a legacy device or outdated software, consider the following actions:
- Update Your Software: Check for updates to your email client or operating system. Software vendors frequently release updates to support newer protocols and improve security.
- Upgrade Your Device: For very old devices that cannot be updated to support TLS 1.2 or higher, upgrading to a newer device may be necessary.
- Alternative Email Access: Use our webmail interface on an alternative, more modern device.
Contact Us
If you need further help or assistance please contact Tibus Support.