The official mailbox.org beta program starts!
We are excited to announce the launch of our official beta program today! All private customers who decide to participate in the beta program can test our new features exclusively - before they become available to all mailbox.org customers.
With the beta program, we want to involve our customers early, and finally test new functions during operation and under real everyday conditions. Beta testers can give us feedback on these new features and report any bugs.
The start of our beta program is all about more security and the login.
What is a beta program?
A beta program for software is like an exclusive preview of a film before it is officially released in cinemas. Imagine you are a film critic and get the chance to see the movie before anyone else. Your job is then to give feedback to the director on how the film can be improved before it becomes available to the general public.
Similarly, software companies invite people who are interested in their products to try out a pre-release version of their software before it is released to everyone. This pre-release version is called a ‘beta version’. Participants in the beta program test the software on different devices and in different environments to find bugs and make suggestions for improvement. The feedback from beta testers helps developers to fix bugs, improve features and optimise the overall user experience.
In a way, beta testers are like film critics - they help polish the final product so it's ready for the big audience. And just as a film premieres in cinemas after beta testing, the software is officially released after the beta program in the hope that users will well receive it.
Our first beta feature: Login 2.0
Security is our top priority, which is why our first beta feature is all about it. We are improving the login with a major change in the underlying architecture. The new architecture enables single sign-on (SSO) and improved two-factor authentication (2FA). And of course, in terms of technology, we are relying on the Open Source solution Keycloak, which we host ourselves in the usual manner.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Thanks to single sign-on, you only have to log in to our system once and can then switch smoothly between all our products and services (webmailer, forum, helpdesk and OpenTalk). Conveniently, without having to re-enter your login details each time.
What is single sign-on?
Single sign-on allows users to log in to multiple web services with just one login. Imagine going to a huge library with many different rooms and books. Instead of using a separate key each time you enter a new room, you can open all the doors with a single key. This saves time and effort. This is basically how single sign-on works: You sign in once and gain access to different services without re-entering your login details each time.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Until now, setting up 2FA was relatively complex and time-consuming. Unfortunately, this also prevented some users from increasing their account security. With our new security architecture through Keycloak, we have simplified the process to 3 steps. This improvement makes it easier and more convenient to secure your login.
Simple setup in 3 steps with an authenticator app
1. Scan the QR code in an authenticator app
2. Enter the TOTP code from the app
3. Assign and save the device name
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for web services is like a double-secured lock for your digital door.
Imagine you have a traditional lock on your front door that can only be opened with a key. It's like the password for your online accounts - a first layer of security. But sometimes a key can be lost or stolen. This is where two-factor authentication comes into play.
With 2FA, you add an extra layer of security, similar to a security deadbolt or alarm system. After you enter your password, another code is sent to you via text message, app or email. This code is like a second key that you need to open the door. Even if someone knows your password, they also need this code to gain access.
In short, two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts to protect them from unauthorised access, much like a double-locked padlock for your digital door.
Important notes on two-factor authentication (2FA) in the beta
To enable you as a beta participant to make an informed decision about the use of 2FA, we would like to provide you with the following important information:
- Only private customers in the beta can use this feature.
- If the old 2FA is already set up, it must first be deactivated before the new 2FA is available.
- For the time being, we only support Authenticator apps. The use of a Yubikey is not possible.
- App passwords are required for the following applications:
- Calendar (CalDAV)
- Contacts (CardDAV)
- Drive (WebDAV)
- External email clients with IMAP or SMTP still require the normal customer password (without 2FA)
- We will introduce the ‘high-security level’ option (deactivate IMAP) later.
Availability in the mailbox.org beta program
The beta of Login 2.0 is now available. All participants in the beta program can activate the Login 2.0 beta function directly.
Participation in the mailbox.org beta program
To join the mailbox.org beta program, you must be a private customer on the PREMIUM, STANDARD or LIGHT plan and have made at least one deposit.
Join the beta program
How to become a beta member in just a few minutes:
1. In the mailbox.org webmailer, select: Settings > mailbox.org > Services > mailbox.org beta
2. Accept the conditions of participation so that we can also contact you for the beta program
3. Activate the exclusive beta features
Important notes on the beta program
- The beta program is only available for private customers on the PREMIUM, STANDARD or LIGHT plan.
- Naturally, there may still be bugs hidden in features in the beta stage, which we are continuously eliminating. We therefore recommend that you do not link any critical processes to features from the beta program.
- You can deactivate most beta features at any time. However, there will also be beta features that you will not be able to leave until the official launch. These or other consequences will always be pointed out before activating a beta feature.
