Re: [Evolution] my ISP and my password

[Adam Tauno Williams <awilliam whitemice org>]

On Mon, 2010-10-18 at 16:06 +1300, Victoria Spagnolo wrote:
> First, apologies for asking here, I have searched. Please, let me know
> where I should be reading or asking.
> I just found out that my ISP stores my password (POP account) as text
> and all the support people can see it and can change it. 

Just about every modern identity service stores the password as clear
text; this has *numerous* technical advantages.  Lots and lots of people
who will claim they don't - do - they just don't know any better.

> Is this normal? 

Yes.  I'd say it is *not* normal for the clear-text attribute to be
visible to tech-support / help-desk staff;  that is very abnormal in my
experience.  Most tech-support people are forbidden from even asking you
about your password.

> If not, what is and what question do I ask an ISP when deciding which 

Don't keep you mail with your ISP.

Option#1 - Use a hosted e-mail service <http://fastmail.fm/> 
Option#2 - Get a linnode <http://www.linode.com/> and run an IMAP server
<http://www.cyrusimap.org/> of your own.
-- 
Adam Tauno Williams <awilliam whitemice org> LPIC-1, Novell CLA
<http://www.whitemiceconsulting.com>
OpenGroupware, Cyrus IMAPd, Postfix, OpenLDAP, Samba