Has the topic of email authentication recently come up more? That is due to a reason. Phishing’s widespread use poses a serious risk to security. Phishing remains the primary source of security problems and data breaches. This has long been the situation.
There has been a significant change in the email landscape. To counteract phishing schemes is the rationale. Email service providers are starting to demand email authentication. It’s critical that you take note of this change for your communication and internet presence.
Two of the biggest email providers in the world are Google and Yahoo. A new DMARC policy was put into place, and it went into effect in February 2024. In essence, this policy mandates the need for email authentication. Businesses using Yahoo Mail and Gmail to send emails are the target audience.
What is DMARC, though, and why is it becoming so crucial now? We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry. Now let’s explore the realm of email verification. We’ll assist you in comprehending why it’s more important than ever for your company.
The Email Spoofing Problem
Consider getting an email that looks to be from your bank. It calls for quick action. Your information is compromised the moment you click a link, enter your information, and voilà.
This is known as email spoofing in common parlance. Here is where email addresses used by scammers are hidden. They make an effort to look like respectable people or businesses. Fraudsters impersonate email addresses of companies. Subsequently, they pose as that business and send emails to vendors and consumers.
These fraudulent tactics may have disastrous effects for businesses. Among them are:
- 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 your email is legitimate. This includes verifying the server sending the email. It also includes reporting back 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.
Here’s how it works:
- You set up a DMARC record in your domain server settings. This record informs email receivers (like Google and Yahoo). It tells them the IP addresses authorized to send emails on your behalf.
- What happens next? Your sent email arrives at the receiver’s mail server. It is looking to see if the email is from an authorized sender.
- Based on your DMARC policy, the receiver can take action. This includes delivery, rejection, or quarantine.
- 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
Yahoo and Google have both provided some degree of spam screening. nonetheless, did not strictly implement DMARC guidelines. The standard for email security is raised by the new DMARC policy.
Starting in February 2024, the new regulation was implemented. Businesses that send more than 5,000 emails a day need to use DMARC.
Policies are also in place at both companies for people who send less emails. They have to do with DKIM and SPF authentication.
To proceed, check for email authentication requirements. To guarantee that your business email is delivered without hiccups, you must pay attention.
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 are handling your emails. As well as 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
- Track and adjust regularly
Need Help with Email Authentication & DMARC Monitoring?
DMARC is just one piece of the email security puzzle. It’s important to put email authentication in place. This is one of many security measures required in the modern digital environment. Need help putting these protocols in place? Just let us know.
Contact us today to schedule a chat.