DKIM Validation: A Step-By-Step Guide To
Securing Your Email Communication


In today's business landscape, email is essential for communication, yet it remains a major target for cyber threats. To protect against email spoofing and verify the legitimacy of your communications, DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) plays a vital role in email security. This guide will explain DKIM validation and outline a detailed approach to successfully implement it.


What is DKIM?


DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is a protocol used for email authentication that enables a domain to link its identity to an email. This connection is established using a digital signature, which guarantees the email's integrity and confirms that it remains unchanged while being sent.

Including a DKIM signature in your emails assists email providers in confirming the authenticity of your messages, which in turn decreases the chances of your emails being flagged as spam or used in phishing schemes.


Why is DKIM Validation Important?


Protects Against Email Spoofing

Cybercriminals frequently employ email spoofing to mimic reputable brands or individuals. DKIM helps guarantee that only legitimate servers are permitted to send emails for your domain. By utilizing the DKIM signature, recipient servers are able to verify the sender's identity, thereby lowering the likelihood of phishing attacks.


Improves Email Deliverability

Emails that successfully pass DKIM checks are less prone to being marked as spam. This enhances your ability to deliver emails and guarantees that your messages arrive at their designated recipients.



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How Does DKIM Work?


DKIM operates through the use of two cryptographic keys: one private and one public.

  • Private Key: This key, kept safe on your email server, is utilized to create a distinct signature for every email sent.

  • Public Key: Made available in the DNS records of your domain, this key enables recipient servers to confirm the legitimacy of the email.

Upon sending an email, a digital signature is created by the private key and included in the email's header. To verify this signature, the receiving server obtains the public key from DNS records. If the signature corresponds correctly, the email is deemed genuine. Uncover the wide range of services we offer here.


Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing DKIM Validation


Step 1: Check Your Email Provider’s DKIM Support

Prior to starting, check if your email service provider has DKIM support. The majority of contemporary email platforms, such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, come with DKIM functionality integrated.


Step 2: Generate DKIM Keys

Should your email service permit you to control your DKIM configurations, you'll need to create a DKIM key pair.

  • Log in to the DKIM configuration section of your email service. 

  • Create a pair of keys, one private and one public. 

  • Take the public key and add it to your DNS settings.

Step 3: Publish the Public Key in the DNS

To include a new TXT record in your domain's DNS configuration, follow these steps: 

  • Access your account with the domain registrar or the service that hosts your DNS. 

  • Go to the section where you can manage DNS settings.

  • Create a TXT record containing the details listed below:

    • Host/Identifier: Usually, this is "default._domainkey" or a selector given by your email service provider.

    • Data/Information: Insert the public key that was created previously.

  • Preserve the modifications.

Step 4: Enable DKIM Signing

Configure DKIM signing for your outbound emails within the settings of your email service provider. This will guarantee that every email is authenticated using the private key. Keep an eye on the DKIM status frequently to verify that the signing process operates as intended and that emails are authenticated correctly.



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Step 5: Test Your DKIM Configuration

Utilize web-based resources such as DKIMCore or mail-tester to confirm the accuracy of your DKIM configuration.

  • Dispatch a trial email to the testing service. 

  • Review the outcomes to confirm that your DKIM signature is correct.

Step 6: Monitor and Maintain DKIM Records

If you change email service providers or alter your DNS configurations, revise your DKIM records as needed. Consistently check your DKIM configuration with online tools to ensure that the records are accurately set up and that your emails are signed correctly.


Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips


  • Misconfigured DNS Records: Make sure your TXT records are properly structured and accessible in the DNS. Utilize DNS lookup tools to verify that they are published correctly.

  • Key Length Issues: Email services mandate a particular length to bolster security measures. For optimal protection, utilize keys that are a minimum of 2048 bits in size.

  • Multiple DKIM Selectors: If you oversee several DKIM selectors, make sure that the appropriate one is enabled and corresponds with your email provider's settings.