Setting Up DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) for Email Providers

What is DMARC?

DMARC is an email authentication protocol that helps protect your domain from unauthorized use, such as phishing or email spoofing. It works alongside SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to verify that emails are sent from trusted sources.

How to Protect Your Emails with DMARC (Simple Guide)

DMARC acts as a security guard for your email, ensuring no one can send fake emails pretending to be you. It works alongside SPF and DKIM (other email security systems) to protect your emails and domain. Follow these simple steps to set it up.

Why Should You Set Up DMARC?

Stop Fake Emails: Prevent bad actors from sending emails pretending to be from your domain.
Improve Email Delivery: Ensure your emails land in inboxes, not spam folders.
Keep an Eye on Your Emails: Receive reports about how your domain is being used for emails.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up DMARC

Step 1: Log in to Your Domain Provider

Your domain provider is the service where you purchased your domain name (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.). If you’re unsure, check your emails for the receipt of your domain purchase.

Here are login links for popular providers:

GoDaddy: https://www.godaddy.com/
Cloudflare: https://www.cloudflare.com/
Namecheap: https://www.namecheap.com/
For other providers, search for "[Your Provider Name] login."

Step 2: Open DNS Settings

After logging in:

Navigate to DNS Management or Zone Editor. This is where you manage your domain's DNS records.

Step 3: Add a DMARC Record

Now, create a TXT record to specify how email systems should handle emails from your domain.

Name/Host: Enter _dmarc.
Value: Paste the following text:
```
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]
```
Replace [email protected] with your email address.

What Do These Words Mean?

v=DMARC1: Indicates that this is a DMARC record.
p=none: Sets the policy to "watch mode" (no blocking yet).
rua: Specifies where reports will be sent.

Step 4: Save the Record

Click Save after adding the record. It may take several hours (up to 24 hours) for the changes to take effect.

Step 5: Check Your Setup

Use free tools to verify that your DMARC record is working correctly:

MXToolBox DMARC Checker: https://mxtoolbox.com/DMARC.aspx
DMARC Analyzer: https://www.dmarcanalyzer.com/

What Happens Next?

You can adjust your DMARC settings as follows:

Watch Mode (p=none): Monitor email activity without blocking any messages.
Spam Mode (p=quarantine): Suspicious emails are sent to spam folders.
Block Mode (p=reject): Fake emails are completely blocked.

Examples of DMARC Records

Basic Watching (no blocking):

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Send Fake Emails to Spam:

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Block Fake Emails:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Special Instructions for Email Services

Google Workspace (Gmail)

Add this TXT record in DNS settings:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Save and verify using DMARC checking tools.

Microsoft 365 (Outlook)

Add this record:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Save and verify.

Zoho Mail

Access your DNS management settings.