SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are email authentication protocols used to protect domains from email spoofing, phishing, and spam. Each one has different functions, but work together to ensure that emails are sent by legitimate sources
By implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC together, you ensure your emails are properly authenticated, reducing the risk of fraudulent emails being sent from your domain.
Table of contents
- Definition of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records
- How They Work Together
- Why These Records Are Important?
- General Steps to Implement
Definition of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework): SPF ensures that only authorized servers can send emails on behalf of your domain. If an email comes from an unexpected server, SPF flags it as suspicious. SPF is the initial defense in our email authentication toolkit, helping to keep your inbox free from messages that might end up in the spam folder. It is important to note that only one SPF record is allowed per domain.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): DKIM is the next level of authentication. It is like a stamp of authenticity that proves the email genuinely came from your domain. This means that each email sent from your domain will have a unique digital signature, ensuring that messages are not sent without authorization or impersonated. Setting up your DKIM records includes generating a DKIM key, creating a DKIM TXT record, and enabling DKIM signing.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): DMARC acts as a coordinator that uses the information from SPF and DKIM to decide what to do with emails that don’t pass the checks. It also provides you with reports on how your email domain is being used, helping you spot any potential abuse or issues. In other words, DMARC is like a security guard, ensuring that both SPF and DKIM are working together to protect your domain from email threats.
How They Work Together
- SPF checks if the sender is authorized.
- DKIM ensures the content hasn’t been altered.
- DMARC unifies SPF and DKIM and gives instructions on how to handle failures.
Why These Records Are Important:
- Protection from Email Spoofing: These protocols protect against attackers pretending to send emails from your domain.
- Improved Deliverability: Properly authenticated emails are less likely to end up in spam folders.
- Reporting: DMARC provides insights into how your domain is being used (or abused) via detailed reports.
- Compliance: Many email providers, like Gmail, Yahoo, and Microsoft, now expect domains to implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
General Steps to Implement
- SPF: Create a DNS TXT record for your domain specifying authorized sending servers.
- DKIM: Generate a public/private key pair, configure your mail server to sign outgoing messages, and publish the public key in your DNS.
- DMARC: Create a DNS TXT record that specifies your DMARC policy and reporting addresses