Secure Your Emails with DMARC, DKIM, and SPF

Secure Your Emails with DMARC, DKIM, and SPF

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting up DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and Custom Email Tracking
   • Integrating with Google Workspace
   • Logging into Instantly.ai
   • Setting up Burner Domains via Google Domains
   • Configuring DKIM
   • Configuring SPF
   • Configuring DMARC
3. Creating a DMARC Report Email
4. Confirming DKIM, SPF, and DMARC Records
5. Setting up a Custom Tracking Domain

Article

Setting up DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and Custom Email Tracking

In today's digital age, it is essential to ensure the security and authenticity of your emails. One way to achieve this is by setting up DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), and custom email tracking. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of setting up these vital components using Google Workspace for your Google Workspace domains. So let's get started.

1. Introduction

Before diving into the technicalities, let's understand the importance of DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and custom email tracking. These protocols and practices not only enhance the deliverability of your emails but also protect your brand's reputation and improve security.

2. Setting up DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and Custom Email Tracking

To begin, we will integrate Google Workspace with Instantly.ai, a platform that streamlines the configuration process. If you haven't created multiple email domains yet, it is recommended to watch a video on that topic (link provided in the description) before proceeding further.

To set up DKIM, SPF, and DMARC, you need to log into your Instantly.ai account and navigate to the appropriate settings. Once you complete the necessary configurations, you can move on to the specific steps for each component.

2.1 Integrating with Google Workspace

After logging into Instantly.ai, you will be directed to the setup page. Click on the "Add New" button and select the option for Gmail G Suite. This option is suitable if you have already set up burner domains via Google Domains, as shown in a previous video tutorial (link provided).

2.2 Logging into Instantly.ai

To proceed with the setup, you will need to log into another email domain. Follow the instructions to log in and access Gmail. Then, click on the Cogwheel icon to open the settings and enable the IMAP feature. Save the changes to move forward.

2.3 Configuring DKIM

Next, we will configure DKIM to ensure the authenticity of your emails. Open a new tab and log into the Google Workspace Admin panel. Assign the particular email you want to use and authorize a name or client ID. Paste the generated information into the relevant fields and configure the settings accordingly.

2.4 Configuring SPF

After enabling DKIM, it's time to configure SPF to prevent email spoofing. Log into your Google Domains account and select the desired domain. Navigate to the DNS settings and choose "Manage Records." Create a new record by selecting the "TXT" type and copying the SPF reference values. Save the settings to complete the SPF configuration.

2.5 Configuring DMARC

Once you have set up DKIM and SPF, it is time to configure DMARC. Remember that DKIM and SPF should be authenticating messages for at least 48 hours before enabling DMARC. Log back into the Google Workspace Admin console and proceed to authenticate email. Follow the instructions to generate a new record and paste it into the appropriate fields in Google Domains. Save the settings to configure DMARC successfully.

3. Creating a DMARC Report Email

Although not required for DMARC report emails, you can create a separate email account to receive these reports. This helps keep your regular inbox clutter-free and organized. To create a DMARC report email, log into Google Domains, select the domain, and click on the "Email" section. Add a user with the appropriate name and a username like "dmarcportreports." Enter your primary inbox email as the recipient. Save the changes and access your new email account using the temporary password sent by Google.

4. Confirming DKIM, SPF, and DMARC Records

To ensure that your DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records are correctly set up, you can use the built-in verification feature. Simply click on the verification button, and the system will verify the records' status.

5. Setting up a Custom Tracking Domain

Finally, to track individual email records separately, set up a custom tracking domain. This step allows you to monitor and analyze various email marketing campaigns effectively. Log into Google Domains, navigate to the DNS records section, and manage custom records. Create a new record, fill in the necessary details, and save the changes. You can test the record's propagation by using a cname lookup tool. Once verified, go back to Instantly.ai, click on the "Use Custom Tracking Domain" button, and paste the required information. Check the status to ensure successful configuration.

By following these steps, you can establish DKIM, SPF, DMARC, and custom email tracking for your Google Workspace domains. These measures will enhance security, protect your brand's reputation, and lay the foundation for effective email communication.