Email security is as critical as the filters that protect us from unwanted or malicious messages. For businesses, this can make all the difference for maintaining trust, preventing fraud, and supporting continuous operations.
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are the leading email authentication protocols designed to protect mail domains from spoofing, phishing, and other cyber threats. If you manage a mail domain, getting these set up should be of the utmost importance. Together, they work to provide the lock, the security camera and the neighborhood watch if something starts to look a bit off—verifying sender legitimacy, securing email content, and detecting suspicious activity.
The Importance of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records
Sender Policy Framework (SPF)
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication protocol that verifies which mail servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain. If the IP address is not in this record, the mail will not be transmitted. Its main importance is to prevent your emails from being spoofed.
DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication protocol that adds a digital signature to your emails using cryptographic keys. This ensures that the message itself has not been tampered with in transit to the receiver while also confirming that it did indeed come from your domain. Its main importance is to prevent spoofing and phishing.
Domain-Based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC)
DMARC (Domain-Based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that builds on the SPF and DKIM by telling the receiving servers what to do if the email fails authentication: Reject, Quarantine or None, which will deliver your email. A report is also generated, allowing you to view who is trying to impersonate your domain. These reports come in XML format, which can be easily read by multiple online sources.
The best part about each of these records is that they are free to create and install in your public registrar, which houses your domain. All it takes is time to protect what's important to you! Contact us if you are interested in setting these up for your email domain.
