send email from linux with ssmtp

howto_ssmtp.txt

These instructions will allow root to send email from the
system through a dedicated gmail account, as for example for
smartd monitoring.

Props to https://tecadmin.net/send-email-smtp-server-linux-command-line-ssmtp/
for the starting point for this information.

Sign up for a dedicated gmail account.

Turn on "allow less secure apps".

Install ssmtp using your package repository tools.

Edit /etc/ssmtp/ssmtp.conf so it looks something like this:

mailhub=smtp.gmail.com:587
UseSTARTTLS=YES
AuthUser=your_email@gmail.com
AuthPass=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Protect the password with:

% chmod go-r /etc/ssmtp/ssmtp.conf

Check that ssmtp is in the line of fire with:

% sendmail -V
sSMTP 2.64 (Not sendmail at all)

Test with

% sudo mail real_email@domain.com