Adding DMARC to Your DNS Settings: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today's digital world, trust is everything. When someone receives an email claiming to be from your business, they need to be confident it's actually you. 

That's where DMARC comes in, and at Oak Haven Solutions, we're dedicated to keeping your online presence secure, especially now that Google and Yahoo (Gmail and Yahoo Mail) have made DMARC mandatory for high-volume senders!

Think of DMARC as your email bodyguard. 

Just like a security guard at your door, it verifies the identity of anyone trying to send emails using your domain name. This helps prevent email spoofing, where scammers impersonate your business to trick people into giving away sensitive information or money.

Why is DMARC important for your business?

  • Protects your reputation: Spoofing emails can damage your brand image and erode customer trust. DMARC shows recipients that your emails are legitimate, building trust and credibility.
  • Stops phishing attacks: Phishing emails are a common way for hackers to steal information. DMARC makes it harder for them to succeed, safeguarding your customers and your business.
  • Improves email deliverability: Some email providers filter out spoofed emails. DMARC ensures your legitimate emails reach their intended recipients.
  • **Now mandatory for high-volume senders on Gmail and Yahoo Mail: Failure to comply could result in email deliverability issues for these crucial platforms.

Here's why you shouldn't wait to implement DMARC:

  • It's simple to set up. We at Oak Haven Solutions can help you configure DMARC for your domain quickly and easily.
  • It's cost-effective. DMARC is a free tool that offers significant benefits for your business security.
  • It's essential for compliance with major email providers.
  • Failure to add DMARC will ultimately land your emails in junk boxes or rejected all together!

Remember:

  • DMARC is like a security guard for your email, now required by major platforms.
  • It stops scammers from impersonating your business.
  • It builds trust and protects your reputation.
  • Stay compliant and secure with DMARC!

DMARC-Infographic-update_2xjpeg

While Oak Haven Solutions is here to assist with your DMARC implementation, you can also set it up yourself with these simple steps:

1. Understand your DNS provider: Different providers have slightly different interfaces, so knowing yours is crucial. Look for "DNS management" or "DNS settings" in your control panel.

2. Create a new TXT record: In your DNS settings, find the option to create a new record. Choose "TXT" as the record type.

3. Fill in the details: * Host: Leave blank or enter "*" (applicable to most domains). * TXT value: Paste the following DMARC record template, replacing placeholders with your information:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:dmarc-report@yourdomain.com; pct=100;

* **Replace `yourdomain.com` with your actual domain name.**
* You can change the `p` policy to "quarantine" if you prefer to quarantine suspicious emails instead of rejecting them outright.
* The `rua` tag specifies where DMARC reports will be sent. Use an email address you have access to monitor these reports.
* Adjust the `pct` tag to define the percentage of emails subject to DMARC checks. 100% is recommended for stricter enforcement.

4. Save the changes: Click "Save," "Add," or the equivalent button in your provider's interface.

5. Wait and verify: It takes 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate globally. Use online tools like Dmarcanalyzer to test your DMARC record after this time.

Remember:

  • Be cautious when changing DNS settings. Consult your provider's documentation if you're unsure.
  • Start with a lower pct (e.g., 10%) and gradually increase it as you monitor DMARC reports to ensure no legitimate emails are blocked.
  • Consider professional assistance from Oak Haven Solutions if you need more guidance or have complex domain configurations.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to securing your email communication with DMARC!