The Ultimate Guide To Using A DMARC Analyzer
For Your Domain


In today's business landscape, safeguarding email communications is essential, and it's crucial to shield your domain from phishing and spoofing threats. A highly effective solution for bolstering email security is DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance). This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on utilizing a DMARC analyzer to protect your domain and enhance your email authentication methods.


What is DMARC?


DMARC is a protocol designed for email verification that assists domain holders in safeguarding their domains against misuse, including phishing and spoofing attacks. It enables these owners to establish guidelines for the management of emails originating from their domain that do not pass authentication tests.

Implementing a DMARC policy allows you to guide mail servers on handling emails that fail SPF (Sender Policy Framework) or DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) verifications. This system empowers domain owners to obtain reports detailing the usage of their domain in email communications.


Why Should You Use a DMARC Analyzer?


A DMARC analyzer is a crucial resource for domain administrators, enabling them to oversee, set up, and enhance their DMARC policies. The analyzer streamlines this task by offering valuable insights into your domain's performance, identifying possible weaknesses, and suggesting methods to refine your email authentication processes.



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How to Set Up and Use a DMARC Analyzer


Step 1: Create a DMARC Record

Prior to utilizing a DMARC analyzer, it's essential to ensure that a DMARC record is incorporated into the DNS (Domain Name System) of your domain. This record specifies the desired actions for email servers regarding unauthenticated messages originating from your domain.

An example of a simple DMARC record appears as follows:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com

  • v=DMARC1: Indicates the version of DMARC being used. 

  • p=none: This policy instructs email servers to refrain from taking any action on emails that do not pass DMARC verification (alternative policies include quarantine or rejection). 

  • rua: This is the designated email address for receiving aggregate reports.

To begin collecting data, you must configure this record within the DNS settings of your domain. After the DMARC record is successfully published, you will be able to start gathering information.


Step 2: Use a DMARC Analyzer

With your DMARC record set up, it's time to utilize a DMARC analyzer to assess the reports you are getting and enhance your email authentication.

Numerous DMARC analysis tools exist, with the majority being cloud-based solutions that need little configuration. A few well-known options are:

  • DMARCian

  • Valimail

  • Postmark DMARC Analyzer

  • Agari DMARC Analyzer

These tools provide dashboards that allow you to access summarized data and investigative reports related to your domain. Generally, they categorize the information by:

  • Source IP addresses: Pinpoint the servers that are dispatching emails on behalf of your domain. 

  • DMARC alignment status: Assess whether the emails successfully meet SPF and DKIM requirements.

  • Action taken: Evaluate if the emails were allowed through, placed in quarantine, or denied.


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Step 3: Analyze Reports and Identify Issues

After you begin receiving reports, the DMARC analyzer will offer comprehensive insights regarding email senders associated with your domain. Important aspects to pay attention to include:

  • Authentication Failures: Search for emails that do not pass SPF or DKIM verification. Such failures suggest that the email may not originate from a valid source, prompting further investigation. If you're utilizing external services for your email campaigns, such as Mailchimp or Salesforce, make sure these platforms are correctly authenticated to avoid erroneous failures.

  • Unknown or Unauthorized Sources: A DMARC analysis tool can reveal the origins of emails that are trying to utilize your domain. If you come across any unknown IP addresses, they may indicate potential phishing threats.

  • Policy Impact: As you gather insights from the reports, you can modify your DMARC policy gradually. You might begin with a p=none setting, but as you become more assured in your email authentication practices, you can transition to stricter policies such as quarantine or reject to prevent the delivery of unauthenticated emails. Learn more by visiting this link.

Step 4: Adjust Your Policies and Settings

Upon examining the reports, it might be necessary for you to modify your DMARC policy. For instance:

  • Begin by establishing a policy that does not permit any actions regarding email monitoring. 

  • Transition to a policy that quarantines potentially harmful emails, directing them to the spam folder. 

  • Finally, adopt a policy that outright rejects any emails that do not pass DMARC verification checks.

Furthermore, think about configuring DMARC RUA (Aggregate Reports) and RUF (Forensic Reports) to obtain more detailed information.