Authenticate your emails properly

Authenticating your email messages helps mailbox providers verify that the email messages you are sending are legitimately from your brand and haven’t been altered during transit. Understanding email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and BIMI is crucial for ensuring your emails are delivered securely and reliably. Simon Mail's Deliverability Services team assists all senders with authentication implementation and strategy. Let’s break them down:

SPF

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication protocol that allows domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of their domain. When an email is received, the recipient's mail server can check this SPF record to verify if the sending server is authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain.

DKIM

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication protocol that works by adding a digital signature to outgoing emails. This signature is generated using a private key and is added to the email's header. The recipient's mail server can then use the public key published in the domain's DNS records to verify the signature. DKIM helps ensure that emails haven't been altered in transit and also helps verify the sender's authenticity.

DMARC

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) builds on SPF and DKIM to provide additional protection against email spoofing and phishing attacks. With DMARC, you can specify how email receivers should handle messages that fail SPF and DKIM checks, for example by quarantining or rejecting them.

Another benefit is that DMARC also provides a reporting mechanism for domain administrators to analyze how often recipient servers around the world are receiving emails sent from their domain, and what percentage is properly authenticated.

BIMI

BIMI enables brands to display their logos alongside authenticated emails in supported email clients. Implementing BIMI involves several steps, including configuring your DNS records and preparing your email messages to include the necessary authentication information. It enhances email security and authenticity by requiring DMARC authentication and enables brands to enhance their email deliverability and brand recognition.

By implementing these email authentication protocols, clients can enhance the security and trustworthiness of their email marketing campaigns, ultimately improving deliverability and protecting their brand reputation.