DMARC

DMARC is the abbreviation for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance. It is an email protocol. When it is published for a particular domain, it controls the outcome of a message’s authentication tests’ failure. The failure of authentication tests for a message implies that the recipient server has not succeeded in verifying that the identity of the particular message’s sender is authentic. Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and Domain Keys identified mail (DKIM) are used by DMARC to ascertain the authenticity of an email message. SPF and DKIM are the authentication checks that analyze the messages that appear to be from a particular sender’s domain. This helps to ascertain if the message was indeed sent by that message’s domain. DMARC manages the aftermath of messages failing the authentication tests, such as SPF and DKIM. In this manner it acts as the access controller for inboxes. Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance aids Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in averting domain spoofing and other malicious practices with regard to emails. Hence, it needs to be set up properly to ensure the protection of inboxes against malware and phishing attacks.

DMARC record is published alongside DNS (Domain Name System) records. SPF, DKIM, CNAME and A-record are included in it. DNS is used by DMARC in order to publish information regarding the way in which an email originating from a domain should be managed.

One important fact to bear in mind is that a DMARC check is not carried out by every receiving server, prior to accepting a message. The major ISPs are known to perform this check and more and more ISPs are following suit.

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How does DMARC Work?

After the DMARC DNS entry has been published, any incoming email can be authenticated by any receiving email server. This is accomplished by following the instructions that have been published within the DNS entry. These are published by the domain owner. The email recipients that use DMARC scan the entire volume of emails. In the event that the email succeeds in passing the authentication check, it acquires the status of being trustworthy and gets delivered. When the email fails the authentication check, it can either be delivered or declined delivery or quarantined. This decision will be based on the instructions that are contained within the DMARC record.

Two email authentication mechanisms are extended by DMARC. These are, as mentioned earlier, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). A policy is published by the administrative owner of a domain in his DNS records. This policy specifies the mechanism, such as SPF, DKIM or both, that is to be employed when an email is sent from that domain.

Benefits of DMARC

There are many benefits of DMARC. Let us touch upon these. DMARC safeguards the reputation of a brand by ensuring that no malicious or unwanted mails are sent from one’s domain by parties that are unauthenticated. DMARC reports enhance the visibility into one’s emails by making one aware of the sender of emails from one’s domain. Moreover, DMARC aids in combating malicious email practices and helps in establishing a policy that is consistent with regard to dealing with messages that do not succeed to authenticate and contributes in developing better security.