But what's DMARC, and why is it suddenly so important? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of email authentication. We’ll help you understand why it's more critical than ever for your business.
The Email Spoofing Problem
Imagine receiving an email seemingly from your bank requesting urgent action. You click a link and enter your details, and your information is compromised.
The common name for this is email spoofing. It’s when scammers disguise their email addresses and try to appear as legitimate individuals or organizations. Scammers spoof a business’s email address and then email customers and vendors pretending to be that business.
These deceptive tactics can have devastating consequences on companies. These include:
· Financial losses
· Reputational damage
· Data breaches
· Loss of future business
Unfortunately, email spoofing is a growing problem. It makes email authentication a critical defense measure.
What is Email Authentication?
Email authentication is a way of verifying that an email is legitimate. This includes verifying the server sending the email and reporting unauthorized uses of a company domain.
Email authentication uses three key protocols, and each has a specific job:
· SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Records the IP addresses authorized to send email for a domain.
· DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Allows domain owners to digitally “sign” emails, verifying legitimacy.
· DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): Gives instructions to a receiving email server. Including what to do with the results of an SPF and DKIM check. It also alerts domain owners that their domain is being spoofed.
SPF and DKIM are protective steps. DMARC provides information critical to security enforcement. It helps keep scammers from using your domain name in spoofing attempts.
3n1 IT Consultants show how it works:
1. You set up a DMARC record in your domain server settings. This record informs email receivers (like Google and Yahoo) of the IP addresses authorized to send emails on your behalf.
2. What happens next? Your sent email arrives at the receiver’s mail server. It checks to see if it is from an authorized sender.
3. Based on your DMARC policy, the receiver can take action. This includes delivery, rejection, or quarantine.
4. You get reporting back from the DMARC authentication. The reports let you know if your business email is being delivered. It also tells you if scammers are spoofing your domain.
Why Google & Yahoo's New DMARC Policy Matters
Both Google and Yahoo have offered some level of spam filtering. But didn't strictly enforce DMARC policies. The new DMARC policy raises the bar on email security.
· Took effect in February 2024. Businesses sending over 5,000 emails daily must implement DMARC.
· Both companies also have policies for those sending fewer emails. These relate to SPF and DKIM authentication.
Look for email authentication requirements to continue. You need to pay attention to ensure the smooth delivery of your business email.
The Benefits of Implementing DMARC:
Implementing DMARC isn't just about complying with new policies. It offers a range of benefits for your business:
· Protects your brand reputation: DMARC helps prevent email spoofing scams. These scams could damage your brand image and customer trust.
· Improves email deliverability: Proper authentication ensures delivery. Your legitimate emails reach recipients' inboxes instead of spam folders.
· Provides valuable insights: DMARC reports offer detailed information. They give visibility into how different receivers handle your emails and help you identify potential issues. They also improve your email security posture.
Taking Action: How to Put DMARC in Place
Implementing DMARC is crucial now. This is especially true considering the rising email security concerns with email spoofing. Here's how to get started:
· Understand your DMARC options
· Consult your IT team or IT security provider and let us check your DMARC Policy Email Authentication
Republished with Permission From The Technology Press
Contact us today to schedule a chat. 561.449.2045
Comments