How To Conduct A DMARC Check And Improve Your Email Deliverability



Email deliverability is a crucial aspect of modern communication, especially for businesses relying on email marketing, transactional emails, and internal communication. Implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is a critical step in securing email domains and improving the trustworthiness of your messages. This guide explains how to conduct a DMARC check and enhance email deliverability.


Understanding DMARC and Its Importance


DMARC is a protocol designed to enhance email security by collaborating with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to verify the identity of email senders and combat email spoofing. It allows domain owners to dictate the actions that should be taken regarding emails that are not authenticated by recipients. Additionally, DMARC generates reports that offer valuable information, aiding in the detection and prevention of potential misuse of your domain.

The importance of DMARC lies in its ability to:

  • Prevent phishing attacks and email spoofing.

  • Protect your brand’s reputation.

  • Improve email deliverability by building trust with recipients.


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Preparing for a DMARC Check


Prior to performing a DMARC check, make sure you can access your domain's DNS configurations and possess the necessary administrative rights. It's important to understand SPF and DKIM since they are crucial components of DMARC. Proper implementation of these protocols is vital for the effective operation of DMARC.


Reviewing Your SPF Record

SPF specifies which servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. To review your SPF record, locate the TXT record in your domain’s DNS settings. It should include the IP addresses or hostnames of authorized email servers. Ensure it is up to date with all email-sending services you use.


Configuring DKIM

DKIM incorporates a digital signature into the headers of your emails, enabling recipients to confirm that the email remains unchanged. To set up DKIM, create a pair of keys: one public and one private. The public key should be added to your DNS as a TXT record, while the private key must be configured within your email service to sign emails that you send out.


Implementing DMARC


DMARC policy is defined in a TXT record in your domain's DNS settings. The record specifies the domain’s DMARC policy, reporting preferences, and alignment requirements. Use the following steps to implement DMARC:


Creating the DMARC Record

Compose your DMARC record with the required elements. These include:

  • v=DMARC1: Specifies the version of the DMARC protocol.

  • p=policy: Defines the policy (none, quarantine, or reject) for unauthenticated emails.

  • rua=mailto:: Indicates the email address where aggregate reports should be sent.

  • ruf=mailto:: Specifies the email address for forensic reports (optional).

Publish the DMARC record in your domain’s DNS as a TXT record.


Monitoring DMARC Reports

After the DMARC record is enabled, email service providers will dispatch reports to the designated addresses. These reports offer valuable information regarding authentication outcomes and assist in pinpointing possible problems. To streamline the analysis and understanding of this data, consider utilizing a DMARC report analysis tool.



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Conducting a DMARC Check


A DMARC check involves verifying the proper implementation of DMARC and assessing its effectiveness. Follow these steps to conduct a comprehensive DMARC check:

  • Validating the DNS Records: Verify that your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured using online tools. These tools test the DNS records and highlight any misconfigurations or inconsistencies.

  • Testing Email Authentication: Send test emails to a tool or service that analyzes SPF, DKIM, and DMARC alignment. Review the results to ensure that all protocols function correctly and that your emails pass authentication checks.

  • Reviewing DMARC Reports: Analyze the DMARC reports received over a period to identify trends and anomalies. Look for unauthorized use of your domain and make adjustments to your policies as needed.

Improving Email Deliverability


Implementing DMARC is just one aspect of enhancing email deliverability. Consider these additional strategies:


Gradually Enforcing DMARC Policies

Begin by implementing a policy of p none to observe email traffic without affecting deliverability. Slowly shift to p quarantine, and ultimately move to p reject in order to completely safeguard your domain once you are assured of the implementation's effectiveness.


Ensuring Consistent Authentication

Make sure that your email sending services are properly set up to comply with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC standards. Periodically check and refresh your DNS records to reflect any updates in your email services.


Maintaining a Clean Email List

Implement effective list management techniques by eliminating invalid or inactive email addresses and confirming recipient consent. This practice minimizes bounce rates and enhances your sender reputation. Discover more by clicking this source.