DMARC Guides

Add DMARC Record

Add DMARC Record

In an age of digital insecurity, protecting your business and online presence is more important than ever. Cyber-criminals are exploiting email vulnerabilities to launch phishing or spam campaigns in the guise of legitimate brands or businesses, damaging reputations and customer trust. One way to establish a fortified line of defense against these attacks is by adopting a DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) record. So, let's dive in and understand the steps to add a DMARC record to your domain and secure your business from such cyber threats.

Add DMARC Record Table of Contents

What is DMARC?

Adding a DMARC Record to Your Domain

What is DMARC?

DMARC is an email validation system that helps domain owners protect their domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks. It works by ensuring that the sender's domain matches the domain found in the email's actual headers, and enforcing custom policies if they don't.

Why is it important?

  • Enhances email security by ensuring legitimacy of the sender's identity
  • Reduces the number of phishing emails landing in recipients' inboxes
  • Protects your domain and brand reputation by minimizing harmful spoofing and fraud attempts

Adding a DMARC Record to Your Domain

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Follow these steps to add a DMARC record to your domain:

1. Ensure SPF and DKIM Records are in Place

DMARC relies on the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) for authentication. Make sure you have these set up before proceeding to implement DMARC, as they are the first line of defense in email authentication.

2. Create Your DMARC Policy

Creating a DMARC policy will involve crafting a TXT record, which will be entered into your DNS. The basic syntax of a DMARC record is as follows:

v=DMARC1; p=; rua=; ruf=; pct=; adkim=; aspf=

These tags carry important values for your DMARC policy:

  • v: Indicates the version of DMARC. Always use "DMARC1"
  • p: The policy to apply; "none", "quarantine", or "reject"
  • rua: Reporting address for aggregate reports
  • ruf: Reporting address for forensic reports
  • pct: How much of your email traffic to apply the policy to. Recommended to start with a low percentage (e.g., 10%) and gradually increase
  • adkim: DKIM alignment mode; "r" for relaxed or "s" for strict
  • aspf: SPF alignment mode; "r" for relaxed or "s" for strict

3. Add the DMARC Record to Your DNS

Once you have generated the DMARC policy with the correct syntax, add it as a TXT record to your DNS configuration. The record name should be "_dmarc" followed by your domain, and the value will be the policy you created in the previous step.

4. Monitor Reports and Adjust Your Policy

After implementation, monitor your DMARC reports to identify any issues with your email flow. Remember to start with a low enforcement level and adjust the policy strength and percentage over time based on the insights gained from these reports.

Add DMARC Record Example:

Let's consider a hypothetical company, "example.com", implementing DMARC. Their DMARC policy might look like this:

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:reports@example.com; ruf=mailto:forensic@example.com; pct=10; adkim=r; aspf=r

This policy enforces these actions:

  • Quarantines emails failing authentication
  • Sends aggregate reports to reports@example.com
  • Sends forensic reports to forensic@example.com
  • Applies the policy to 10% of email traffic
  • Uses relaxed alignment modes for both DKIM and SPF

Now that you understand the importance of implementing a DMARC record and how to properly create and add it to your domain, you're on your way to securing your business emails from spoofing and phishing threats. Don't lose another minute - add a DMARC record today and reap the benefits of improved email security and brand reputation!

If you found the guide helpful, don't forget to share it with your network and explore other cybersecurity topics on Voice Phishing to strengthen your overall defense against cyber threats.

voice phishing george luna
George Luna

Meet George Luna, the authoritative voice behind our blog posts and your guide through the labyrinth of voice phishing. With over 25 years of dedicated research in cybersecurity, George's expertise is unparalleled. His journey began in the early days of the internet, a time when the concept of cyber threats was in its infancy. Throughout his prolific career, George has relentlessly pursued the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, with a particular focus on social engineering and voice phishing. His in-depth research, profound insights, and practical strategies have made him a respected figure in the field and a sought-after speaker at international cybersecurity forums. George's articles distill complex concepts into understandable, actionable advice, empowering readers to secure their digital footprint effectively. His work is a testament to his commitment to creating a safer digital world for all. When he's not unraveling the latest vishing scam or advising companies on security best practices, George can be found teaching the next generation of cybersecurity enthusiasts as a visiting professor. With George Luna, you're learning from a true pioneer, a stalwart defender in the digital realm, and a trusted authority in cybersecurity. His wealth of experience and knowledge is your shield against voice phishing.

Protect Your Data Today With a Secure Password Manager. Our Top Password Managers:

passpack logo
Our #1 Password Manager

Passpack

Secure your digital world with Passpack. This robust password manager is your first line of defense against phishing and cyber threats. With Passpack, you gain an encrypted, safe haven for your passwords, offering you peace of mind and protection. Don't just store passwords, guard them with the fortitude of Passpack. Take control of your online security today – because when it comes to defending against cybercrime, your password manager matters.

nordpass logo
Our #2 Password Manager

NordPass

Enhance your digital safety with NordPass, a powerful tool in our affiliate network. NordPass is a reliable password manager designed to simplify security. It not only stores but also organizes and safeguards your passwords, offering seamless access across devices. It's the hassle-free solution to maintaining strong, unique passwords – a crucial step in combating phishing and cyber threats. Trust NordPass to fortify your online defenses, and experience cybersecurity made easy.

author-avatar

About George Luna

Meet George Luna, the authoritative voice behind our blog posts and your guide through the labyrinth of voice phishing. With over 25 years of dedicated research in cybersecurity, George's expertise is unparalleled. His journey began in the early days of the internet, a time when the concept of cyber threats was in its infancy. Throughout his prolific career, George has relentlessly pursued the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, with a particular focus on social engineering and voice phishing. His in-depth research, profound insights, and practical strategies have made him a respected figure in the field and a sought-after speaker at international cybersecurity forums. George's articles distill complex concepts into understandable, actionable advice, empowering readers to secure their digital footprint effectively. His work is a testament to his commitment to creating a safer digital world for all. When he's not unraveling the latest vishing scam or advising companies on security best practices, George can be found teaching the next generation of cybersecurity enthusiasts as a visiting professor. With George Luna, you're learning from a true pioneer, a stalwart defender in the digital realm, and a trusted authority in cybersecurity. His wealth of experience and knowledge is your shield against voice phishing.

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