The internet is an ever-evolving universe of data exchange. In such an environment, cybersecurity is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to protecting your domain. One of the key practices to ensure your domain’s security is by using Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) records. They help secure your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. This post will guide you on how to create DMARC records for your domain and cross-domain DMARC records to optimize email security.
Table of Contents
- What is DMARC?
- Benefits of Using DMARC
- How to Create DMARC Records for Your Domain
- Creating Cross-Domain DMARC Records
- Testing and Verifying DMARC Records
- Conclusion
What is DMARC?
DMARC is a protocol that allows domain owners to protect their domains from unauthorized use, known as email spoofing. It builds upon two existing mechanisms, Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM). It allows the administrative owner of a domain to publish a policy on which mechanism (DKIM, SPF, or both) is employed when sending email from that domain and how the receiver should deal with failures.
Benefits of Using DMARC
- Enhanced Security: DMARC protects your domain from phishing attacks and email spoofing, enhancing its security.
- Brand Reputation: It safeguards your brand reputation by preventing unauthorized use of your domain.
- Improved Email Deliverability: DMARC improves email deliverability by reducing the chance of your emails landing in the spam folder.
How to Create DMARC Records for Your Domain
Step 1: Check for existing SPF and DKIM records
Before setting up DMARC, ensure that you have SPF and DKIM records set up for your domain.
Step 2: Formulate your DMARC policy
Next, decide what should happen to emails that fail DMARC checks. This is your DMARC policy, which can be ‘none’, ‘quarantine’, or ‘reject’.
Step 3: Create your DMARC record
Use an online DMARC record generator to create your DMARC record. The record will look something like this: “v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com”.
Step 4: Publish your DMARC record
Add the DMARC record to your domain’s DNS records as a TXT record.
Creating Cross-Domain DMARC Records
Cross-domain DMARC records help if you have multiple domains and want a centralized reporting mechanism. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Create an aggregate report email address
Create an email address where you wish to receive aggregate reports for all your domains.
Step 2: Update your DMARC records
Update your DMARC records for each domain, specifying the aggregate report email address.
Testing and Verifying DMARC Records
It’s essential to verify your DMARC records to ensure they are working correctly. Online DMARC record check tools
can assist you with this. Here are a few that you can use:
- DMARC Check Tool – MxToolbox: This tool will parse the DMARC Record for the queried domain name, display the DMARC Record, and run a series of diagnostic checks against the record.
- Free DMARC Record Lookup and Checker – EasyDMARC: EasyDMARC’s tool allows you to verify and validate your domain’s DMARC record. Simply enter your domain name, and the tool will retrieve the DMARC record and provide you with its comprehensive configuration analysis.
- Free DMARC Checker – DMARCLY: This tool checks if a DMARC record is published on a domain, and performs various checks on the DMARC record.
- DMARC Checker – Mimecast: Mimecast offers a free and easy-to-use DMARC Record Checker. You need only provide your domain name, and the DMARC Record Check will parse your DMARC record and display it along with additional information.
- Free DMARC record Lookup – PowerDMARC: This tool is completely free to use an unlimited number of times, no sign-ups or payment are required. Enter your domain name and hit the Lookup button to conduct a quick DMARC lookup.
Conclusion
Setting up DMARC records for your domain and cross-domain DMARC records is a crucial step toward securing your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. This guide aims to simplify the process for you. Remember, cybersecurity is a continuous process that requires vigilance and constant updates. Stay secure!
