Why you should set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in Google Workspace

Email is still the most popular way to communicate, even with the rise of messaging apps and other platforms. But while email is common, not everyone knows how it’s protected from threats like phishing, spam, and other types of fraud.

In Google Workspace, setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC (wait, what are those?) helps prevent your emails from being marked as spam, altered, or misused. These tools are essential for keeping your emails safe and making sure they reach the right people.

Let’s break down what SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are, why they’re important, and how they work together to protect your email.

What is email authentication?

Let’s start with the very basics and look at email authentication as a whole.

Email authentication is the process of verifying that an email is really from the sender it claims to be from. This involves using special techniques like digital signatures and encryption to ensure the email hasn’t been tampered with and the sender’s identity is real. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email security tools that work together to prevent spam and phishing.

Why is email authentication important?

As online threats become more advanced, email authentication is now a key part of keeping your organization secure. These tools offer strong protection, but if they’re set up incorrectly, they can cause problems — like legitimate emails being marked as spam or rejected. This can lead to communication breakdowns, data breaches, and damage to your organization’s reputation.

Why email authentication matters:

• Preventing phishing attacks: These tools help confirm the sender's identity, making it harder for attackers to pretend to be someone else and trick recipients into sharing sensitive information.
• Protecting your brand: Email authentication helps keep your brand’s reputation intact by stopping unauthorized use of your domain.
• Boosting security: Authenticated emails are less likely to be tampered with or intercepted, keeping your communications secure.
• Meeting regulations: Some industries require email authentication to comply with laws and avoid legal issues.

What is SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are tools used to protect against email scams like phishing and spoofing. They help confirm that an email is really from who it says it’s from and boost overall email security.

SPF 

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) lets domain owners specify which IP addresses are allowed to send emails on their behalf. When an email is received, the recipient’s server checks the SPF record to ensure the email is from an approved source. If it isn’t, the email might be marked as spam or rejected.

DKIM

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to the email header, which the recipient’s server can verify. This signature makes sure the email hasn’t been altered during its journey and confirms that it came from the claimed sender.

DMARC 

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) allows domain owners to set rules for handling emails that fail SPF and DKIM checks. It also provides reports that help domain owners see how their emails are being treated.

Benefits of using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

• Better email delivery: Correctly set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to increase the chances that your emails will land in inboxes instead of being flagged as spam.
• Stronger security: These tools work together to protect your domain from being used in phishing and spoofing attacks.
• Building trust: Ensuring your emails are legitimate helps maintain trust with your customers, partners, and other recipients.
• Following best practices: Many email providers, including Google, prefer emails that pass SPF, DKIM, and DMARC checks, so using these tools helps you meet industry standards.

Setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in Google Workspace is essential for keeping your emails secure. These tools work together to verify that your emails are real, protect your domain from being misused, and maintain your organization’s reputation. Proper setup not only improves email delivery but also keeps your communications secure and aligned with best practices.

Keep your emails safe and trusted — set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC today. Don’t know where to start? Revolgy can help! Contact us for more information about how we can help. 

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