Understanding Outbound Port Restrictions on got.net VPS: A Guide to SMTP Mail Delivery

Introduction

Got.net values the security and efficiency of the services we provide to our customers. In our continuous effort to maintain a secure and reliable environment, we have implemented certain network policies on our Virtual Private Servers (VPS). This includes blocking outbound traffic on port 25, commonly used for SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) mail delivery. This article aims to guide our VPS customers on how to adapt to this policy for seamless email communication.

Why is Port 25 Blocked?

Port 25 is traditionally used for sending emails via SMTP. However, it's also commonly exploited for spam and malicious activities. By blocking outbound traffic on port 25, Got.net aims to:

1. Reduce Spam: Limiting the use of port 25 helps in curbing the spread of unsolicited spam emails.
2. Enhance Security: It prevents potential misuse of our servers for sending malicious emails.
3. Comply with Best Practices: Many ISPs and hosting services are adopting similar policies to promote a safer internet environment.

Alternatives to Port 25

To send SMTP mail from your VPS, you can use the following alternative ports:

1. Port 587 (Recommended): This is the preferred port for sending emails securely. It requires SMTP authentication, ensuring that only authorized users can send emails.
2. Port 465: Initially intended for SMTPS (SMTP over SSL), this port is widely used for securely sending emails. It also requires authentication.

Both these ports are designed to provide secure and reliable email delivery, in compliance with modern email transmission standards.

Configuring Your Email Client

To adjust to this policy, you will need to configure your email client or application to use either port 587 or 465 for SMTP mail delivery. Here’s a general guide:

1. Access SMTP Settings: Open the settings or preferences section of your email client.
2. Select the SMTP Server: Look for the SMTP server settings or outbound mail server settings.
3. Change the Port: Replace the default port (25) with either 587 or 465.
4. Enable Authentication: Ensure that the option for SMTP authentication is enabled.
5. Apply SSL/TLS: For port 465, select SSL as the encryption method. For port 587, choose TLS.
6. Save Changes: Save the new settings and restart your email client if necessary.

Testing the Configuration

After configuring your email client, it’s essential to test the setup:

1. Send a Test Email: Compose a new email and send it to an external email address.
2. Check for Delivery: Verify that the email is delivered successfully.
3. Review Error Messages: If there are any errors, review the message for hints on what needs to be corrected.

Need Assistance?

Got.net is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding these changes, please contact our support team. We're here to assist you with any technical guidance or troubleshooting you might need.