What is DMARC

DMARC, which stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance, is a security protocol that helps protect email domains from unauthorized use (email spoofing, phishing) and ensures the integrity of email communications.

DMARC works alongside other email authentication mechanisms like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). Here's why a DMARC record is important:

Preventing Email Spoofing and Phishing

DMARC helps prevent attackers from sending emails that appear to come from a legitimate domain but are actually malicious. It helps to verify that the sender of an email is authorized to use the domain mentioned in the "From" address.

Email Authentication

DMARC, when implemented with SPF and DKIM, provides a comprehensive email authentication framework. SPF checks if the sending mail server is authorized by the domain's administrators, and DKIM verifies that the email content has not been altered during transit.

Protecting Brand Reputation

DMARC helps in protecting the reputation of your domain and brand by ensuring that unauthorized parties cannot send emails on behalf of your domain. This is crucial for businesses and organizations that want to maintain trust with their customers and partners.

Policy Enforcement

DMARC allows domain owners to specify what actions should be taken if an email fails authentication. This can include rejecting or quarantining emails that don't pass the authentication checks. This policy enforcement helps to ensure that only legitimate emails are delivered to recipients.

Reporting and Visibility

DMARC provides reporting mechanisms that allow domain owners to receive feedback on email authentication failures. This reporting helps organizations understand how their domain is being used for email and provides insights into potential abuse or phishing attempts.

Regulatory Compliance

In some industries and regions, regulatory requirements may mandate the implementation of email authentication mechanisms like DMARC to protect sensitive information and ensure the security of communications.

Steps to Implement DMRAC

Step1

On the Zoho console go to domains category.

Go to email_configuration and click on DMARC

Step2

Now on Hostinger, go to Domains category. Click on DNS to add records.

Step3

Fill the details like type, name, txt value(copy from zoho and paste here), and TTL. Then click on Add Record.

Step4

Now again go zoho for email configuration and click on verify.

Conclusion

In summary, a DMARC record is essential for enhancing email security, preventing phishing attacks, protecting brand reputation, and complying with industry standards and regulations. It provides a powerful tool for organizations to take control of their email ecosystem and ensure that only legitimate emails from authorized sources are delivered to recipients.