How to Create a DMARC Record?

Emails have become a crucial part of communication today. With ease comes threats. They are also susceptible to cyberattacks like phishing, spoofing, and spam. Protecting against these risks is crucial, so you must take robust security measures to protect your emails from such attacks. In this blog post, we will explore how to create a DMARC record.

What is DMARC?

One of the most effective tools for email security is DMARC or Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance. DMARC helps secure your email domain against unauthorized use and ensures your emails are delivered properly. It uses a framework for email authentication and reporting.

How to Create a DMARC Record?

It takes a few steps to create a DMARC record, including setting up the policy, publishing it in your DNS (Domain Name System), and monitoring its performance.

Know DMARC

DMARC combines two authentication mechanisms - SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) - to verify incoming emails. It enables senders to define how email receivers should treat messages that don't pass these authentication checks, thereby reducing the risk of email fraud.

Define Your DMARC Policy

Choose the policy that best suits your domain's needs. There are three DMARC policies: none, quarantine, and reject.

None

This policy is used solely for monitoring purposes. It allows you to gather information on emails that fail authentication without blocking or redirecting them.

Quarantine

With this policy, emails that don’t pass authentication are sent to the spam or quarantine folder - allowing recipients to review them before taking any action.

Reject

The most stringent policy - where emails that fail authentication are completely rejected, significantly lowering the risk of phishing attacks.

Create the DMARC Record

To set up a DMARC record, you will need to add a TXT record to your domain's DNS settings. This DMARC record provides instructions to email receivers on how to handle messages from your domain that fail authentication.

Record Syntax

A DMARC record is made up of several tags, each with specific values that define the policy. Common tags include "v" (version), "p" (policy), "rua" (URI for aggregate reports), and "ruf" (URI for forensic reports).

Set the Policy Tag

Choose the policy you wish to enforce (none, quarantine, or reject) and set it using the "p" tag in your DMARC record. For example, "p=reject" instructs email receivers to block emails that fail authentication.

Specify Reporting Addresses

Determine where you want DMARC reports to be sent by configuring the "rua" (for aggregate reports) and "ruf" (for forensic reports) tags. Aggregate reports provide an overview of your email authentication, while forensic reports give detailed insights into specific email failures.

Publish the DMARC Record

Once your DMARC record is configured with the chosen policy and reporting details, publish it in your DNS zone file. Log in to your domain registrar’s DNS management portal and add a new TXT record containing the DMARC information.

Test & Monitor

After publishing your DMARC record, it's important to test it and continuously monitor its effectiveness. Send test emails from different sources to ensure they align with your DMARC policy, and review the reports from DMARC-compliant receivers to spot any issues.

Adjust as Needed

Over time, you may need to tweak your DMARC policy based on your organization's email practices and security needs. Use the reports and feedback you receive to refine your policy - enhancing email authentication and deliverability.

How to add a TXT record to your domain's DNS settings to create a DMARC record?

• Login to Your Domain Registrar's Website
• Access Domain Settings or DNS Management
• Locate DNS Records Section
• Choose to Add a New Record
• Select TXT Record Type
• Enter TXT Record Information
• Save Your Changes
• Verify the Record Addition

Conclusion

DMARC record protects your email domain from phishing & spoofing attacks. A DMARC policy saves your company's reputation and improves email deliverability. Follow the steps outlined to create and implement a DMARC record for your domain. So, that's how you can create a DMARC record. If you need assistance, connect with Leasepacket. Leasepacket holds expertise in hosting and email security services.