Conducting A DMARC Check:
Best Practices And Procedures


Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) is a vital email authentication protocol that aids in the prevention of email spoofing and phishing attacks. It allows domain owners to specify how their emails should be authenticated by receivers, enabling them to monitor and control the flow of their domain’s emails. 

DMARC builds upon the widely-used SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) protocols, providing an additional layer of security and control. Explore here for additional details on DMARC checks.


Why Conduct a DMARC Check?


DMARC check is an essential process for organizations to ensure the effectiveness of their email authentication setup. By conducting regular DMARC checks, organizations can:


1. Enhance Email Deliverability

DMARC serves to authenticate senders and prevent unauthorized use of a domain, ultimately minimizing the likelihood of emails being flagged as spam or phishing. By implementing DMARC checks, businesses can enhance their email delivery success rates.



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2. Mitigate Phishing and Spoofing Attacks

Phishing and spoofing schemes frequently involve mimicking authentic domains to trick recipients. DMARC serves as a safeguard against these fraudulent activities by enabling domain owners to establish stringent guidelines for email verification. Consistent monitoring through DMARC inspections assists in detecting any unauthorized domain usage and reducing associated vulnerabilities.


3. Improve Brand Reputation

The credibility of a brand is reflected in emails sent from its domain. By utilizing DMARC and consistently monitoring, companies can safeguard their brand's integrity by deterring any unauthorized use or exploitation of their domain for deceitful purposes.


Best Practices for Conducting a DMARC Check


1. Start with a DMARC Record Setup

Prior to running a DMARC verification, make sure that the domain has a properly set up DMARC record. This record outlines the guidelines for email receivers to adhere to when verifying emails originating from the domain, as well as details on managing emails that do not pass authentication.


2. Monitor DMARC Reports Regularly

Utilize DMARC to receive detailed email authentication reports, pinpointing SPF and DKIM alignment issues. Keep a close eye on these reports to catch any irregularities or unauthorized domain usage. Employ DMARC report analysis tools for efficient interpretation and extraction of actionable intelligence from the data.


3. Gradually Enforce Strict Policies

Start by configuring the DMARC policy as none (p none) to prompt email receivers to observe and report on email authentication outcomes without implementing any immediate actions. This approach enables organizations to collect information and evaluate the effects of DMARC enforcement on authentic email communications. 


4. Implement SPF and DKIM Alignment

Ensure that both SPF and DKIM are properly configured and aligned with the DMARC policy. SPF validates the sender's IP address against a list of authorized sending IP addresses specified in the domain's DNS records. DKIM adds a digital signature to outgoing emails, allowing receivers to verify the email's authenticity. Align SPF and DKIM with the DMARC policy to maximize email deliverability and security.


Comprehensive Email Security Measures


  • Email Encryption: Implement end-to-end email encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted via email and ensure confidentiality.

  • Sender Reputation Monitoring: Monitor sender reputation scores and blacklists to identify potential issues that may affect email deliverability and reputation.

  • Email Authentication Validation: Regularly validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations to ensure they are properly implemented and aligned with organizational policies.

  • Email Security Assessments: Conduct regular email security assessments, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, to identify and remediate weaknesses in the email infrastructure.


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Advanced Techniques for DMARC Implementation


1. Customized Reporting and Analysis

Beyond standard DMARC reports, consider implementing customized reporting and analysis mechanisms to gain deeper insights into email authentication results. Utilize advanced analytics tools to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in email traffic. Customize reports to focus on specific metrics such as SPF alignment, DKIM signatures, and DMARC policy compliance. By leveraging advanced reporting capabilities, organizations can fine-tune their DMARC policies and improve overall email security posture.


2. Automated DMARC Policy Management

Implement automated DMARC policy management systems to streamline the process of policy enforcement and adjustment. Utilize scripting or automation tools to dynamically adjust DMARC policies based on real-time threat intelligence and email authentication data.


3. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for Email Access

Enhance email security by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email access. Require users to authenticate using multiple factors such as passwords, biometrics, and one-time passcodes before accessing their email accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to email accounts, reducing the risk of email compromise and abuse.