smtp authenticating as "plain"

[dv1445@xxxxxxxxx]

Hello,

When I send mail from mutt (1.5.18), using mutt's own smtp_url feature rather 
than msmtp, I see a bunch of stuff flash by on the bottom of the screen.  That 
"stuff" looks like mutt is contacting the smtp server, etc.  But I see 
something that looks like it says "AUTHENTICATING (PLAIN)".  (it goes fast, so 
I can't get a good look).

Is mutt sending my password as plain text over the internet?  I'm using ssl 
with my smtp, as in "set smtp_url=smtps://mail.mydomain.com".  So I'm a bit 
concerned here that it's not working right.

Thanks.
-gmn