DMARC: Email Security and Fraud Prevention Tool

Email fraud and phishing attacks pose a major threat to both individuals and businesses today. Continue reading this guide to learn more about DMARC, an effective tool developed to combat these threats.

What is DMARC and How Does It Work?

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) is a protocol used for email authentication and reporting. DMARC is a mechanism that verifies whether sent emails really come from the specified domain name. This allows fraudulent emails to be detected and blocked.

DMARC uses two main email authentication methods: SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). SPF checks whether emails are sent from specified IP addresses, while DKIM verifies whether the content of emails has been altered. DMARC combines these two methods to increase email authentication and security.

How to Create DMARC Records?

To create DMARC records, you must first add DMARC records to your DNS (Domain Name System) records. These records notify email servers of DMARC policies and direct email traffic according to these policies.

You can follow these steps to create a DMARC record:

1. Log in to your DNS management panel.
2. Add a new TXT record.
3. Type "_dmarc" in the Host field.
4. Add your DMARC policy and reporting settings in the Value field. For example: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected];
5. Save the record and publish your DNS settings.

Follow these steps to successfully create your DMARC record.

DMARC Policies and Enforcement Methods

DMARC policies determine how email servers should behave. DMARC policies consist of three main headings:

• None: This policy ensures that no action is taken despite emails passing the verification process. It is usually used for those who are new to DMARC and is preferred for reporting purposes.
• Quarantine: This policy ensures that emails that fail the verification process are moved to the spam folder. This prevents fraudulent emails from reaching users' inboxes.
• Reject: This policy ensures that emails that fail the verification process are completely rejected. This is the strictest policy and completely prevents fraudulent emails from reaching users' email inboxes.

When determining your DMARC policies, you should choose the most appropriate policy according to your business needs and the status of your email traffic.

DMARC Reporting and Analysis: Monitoring Performance

DMARC allows you to monitor your performance by providing detailed reports about your email traffic. DMARC reports are divided into two main categories:

• Aggregate Reports: These reports show the overall status of your email traffic. They include information such as the number of emails sent, verification results, and how the policies were applied.
• Forensic Reports: These reports provide detailed information about emails that failed the verification process. It includes the source, content, and other technical details of the fraudulent emails.

By analyzing DMARC reports regularly, you can continuously improve your email security and detect fraud attempts at an early stage.

How to Improve Your Email Security with DMARC?

DMARC is a powerful tool to increase your email security. Here are some ways to increase your email security with DMARC:

• Choose the Right Policy: Determine your DMARC policies based on your business needs. You can monitor your email traffic using the "None" policy initially and then switch to "Quarantine" or "Reject" policies.
• Regularly Analyze Reports: By regularly analyzing DMARC reports, you can detect fraudulent email attempts at an early stage and take precautions.
• Keep Your SPF and DKIM Records Updated: You can strengthen your email authentication process by regularly updating your SPF and DKIM records.
• Organize Email Security Trainings: Work by providing training to your members about email security, you can raise awareness about recognizing and reporting fraudulent emails.

By following these steps, you can significantly increase your email security with DMARC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DMARC?

DMARC is an authentication and reporting protocol used to prevent email fraud. It secures emails using methods such as SPF and DKIM.

How are DMARC records created?

DMARC records are created through TXT records added to the DNS management panel. These records inform email servers about DMARC policies and ensure the security of email traffic.

What are DMARC policies?

DMARC policies fall into three main categories: "None", "Quarantine", and "Reject". These policies determine how email servers should behave during the verification process.

How to analyze DMARC reports?

DMARC reports provide information about the overall status of your email traffic and fraudulent email attempts. They are presented in two main categories: bulk reports and forensic reports and should be analyzed regularly.

How to increase email security with DMARC?

To increase your email security with DMARC, you should choose the right policy, keep your SPF and DKIM records up to date, analyze DMARC reports regularly, and organize email security training for your employees.