In order to improve information security throughout the Columbia campus, IMAP and POP3 servers will be disabled beginning October 18, 2018. IMAP and POP3 are older methods used by computers to access email messages from a remote server. The connections are unsecure and are used by many hackers to access university information and send malicious emails. The university has seen three attacks the originated from IMAP and POP3 servers within the past six months, causing major outages and lost productivity.

Individuals identified as an IMAP or POP3 user will be contacted individually. We ask that you begin to access your email via a new email client, the VPN, or webmail.sc.edu. If you need assistance with any of these options, contact the Service Desk at 803-777-1800. Helpful information can be found in the IMAP and POP3 Protocol Shutdown article.