Step-By-Step Instructions: Create DMARC Record For Reliable Email Authentication


In the current digital landscape, safeguarding email communication has become increasingly important. A reliable method to shield your domain against threats such as email spoofing, phishing, and impersonation is by implementing a DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) record. This protocol guarantees that messages originating from your domain are verified, thereby enhancing the security of your email interactions. Below is a detailed guide on establishing a DMARC record for effective email authentication.


What is DMARC?


DMARC is an established protocol for email authentication that ensures the legitimacy of the sender's domain. It relies on SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to confirm if an email was dispatched by a permitted sender. Following this verification, DMARC offers guidance on the appropriate actions to take for emails that do not pass authentication checks. Learn more by visiting this link.



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Step 1: Understand DMARC Record Components


Before setting up your DMARC record, it’s essential to know the key components of the record:

  • v=DMARC1: The current implementation of DMARC in use is consistently configured to DMARC1.

  • p=none/quarantine/reject: The guideline outlining the procedure for managing emails that do not pass DMARC validation.

  • rua=mailto:email@example.com:The email address designated for submitting aggregate reports.

  • ruf=mailto:email@example.com: Optional email address for receiving forensic reports.

Step 2: Define Your DMARC Policy


The DMARC policy outlines the actions that email servers must take regarding messages that do not pass authentication checks. There are three available policy choices:

  • p=none: No action is taken, just monitoring.

  • p=quarantine: Suspicious emails are placed in the spam or junk folder.

  • p=reject: Emails that fail DMARC authentication are completely rejected.

Step 3: Create Your DMARC Record


It's time to set up your DMARC record in the Domain Name System (DNS). Below is a fundamental template for your DMARC record:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc-forensics@yourdomain.com; pct=100

In this example:

  • v=DMARC1: Indicates the version.

  • p=none: Indicates the policy, which can be adjusted to either quarantine or reject according to your requirements.

  • rua: Consolidated reports will be delivered to this email address.

  • ruf: You have the option to receive forensic reports at this email address.

  • pct=100: This indicates that the policy is relevant to 100 emails. If you'd like to experiment with the policy on a smaller group, you have the option to lower this percentage.

Step 4: Add the DMARC Record to Your DNS


To set up the DMARC record, you need to access your DNS provider or hosting service. Follow these steps:

  • Log into your DNS provider’s control panel.

  • Go to the section for adding DNS records.

  • Create a new TXT record.

  • In the Host/Name field, enter _dmarc.

  • In the Value/Data field, paste the DMARC record you’ve created.

  • Save the record.


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Step 5: Monitor DMARC Reports


Monitoring DMARC reports is crucial for identifying email authentication issues and ensuring your domain’s security. These reports provide insights into how your emails are being processed by recipient servers and whether they pass SPF and DKIM checks. Regularly review these reports to detect any unauthorized use of your domain and adjust your DMARC policy accordingly. By analyzing the reports, you can fine-tune your email authentication settings to prevent potential attacks.


Step 6: Fine-Tune Your DMARC Policy


Refining your DMARC policy requires careful examination of the reports and a gradual shift towards more stringent measures. Begin with a p none setting, allowing you to observe email activity without disrupting delivery. Once you have verified legitimate senders, progress to p quarantine or p reject. To ease into this process, modify the pct (percentage) value to apply the policy to a small portion of emails prior to full implementation. This step-by-step method helps facilitate a seamless transition, improving email security and minimizing false positives.


Step 7: Verify Your DMARC Record


After you have implemented the DMARC record, it's crucial to confirm that it has been configured properly. You can utilize various online tools for this purpose, such as:

  • DMARC Analyzer

  • MXToolbox

These tools will check if your DMARC record is correctly configured and if there are any issues.