DMARC is a powerful tool to protect your email ecosystem. However, many organizations make common mistakes when implementing it. DMARC implementation mistakes can undermine its effectiveness. In this article, we’ll discuss these mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not Starting with a “None” Policy
One of the biggest mistakes is jumping straight to a “Reject” policy. But this can cause legitimate emails to be blocked. Instead, start with a “None” policy to monitor your email traffic. This allows you to gather data and ensure proper authentication. So, gradually move from “None” to “Quarantine” and then to “Reject” once you’re confident everything is set up correctly.
2. Failing to Monitor DMARC Reports
Many organizations set up DMARC without monitoring reports. Without monitoring, it’s hard to see what’s happening with your emails. So, make sure to regularly review your DMARC aggregate reports. This helps identify any misalignments or unauthorized email sources.
3. Ignoring SPF and DKIM Alignment
DMARC relies on SPF and DKIM for authentication. If these aren’t aligned correctly, DMARC will fail. So, double-check that both SPF and DKIM are properly set up and aligned with your domain. This ensures your DMARC implementation works smoothly.
4. Overlooking Third-Party Email Senders
Using third-party services like email marketing platforms or CRMs can complicate DMARC implementation. If you don’t properly configure these services, they may send unauthenticated emails. Ensure that third-party services are included in your SPF record and authorized for sending emails. This prevents legitimate emails from being marked as suspicious.
5. Not Updating DNS Records Promptly
Sometimes, organizations fail to update their DNS records after making changes. This can delay DMARC implementation and leave your domain unprotected. Always update your DNS records immediately after making changes to DMARC, SPF, or DKIM settings. This ensures all records are current and effective.
7. Not Testing the Setup
Skipping testing can lead to unexpected problems down the line. Before finalizing your DMARC setup, test your email authentication. Use tools like DMARC analyzers to ensure that your records are correct and that emails are passing SPF and DKIM checks.
8. Failing to Set Up Forensic Reports
Forensic reports provide more detailed information on why emails fail DMARC checks. But many organizations neglect to set these up. So, enable forensic reports for deeper insights into any email delivery issues. These reports help you quickly identify and fix problems.
9. Overcomplicating the Setup
DMARC implementation mistakes include overcomplicating its setup. Trying to add too many settings or rules can create confusion. Keep your implementation simple and only adjust settings as needed. This way, you avoid overcomplicating the process and reduce the risk of errors.
10. Not Involving the Right Teams
Sometimes, organizations focus too much on the technical side and forget about involving other teams. IT, marketing, and security teams all play a role in successful DMARC implementation. So, collaborate with the right teams to ensure everything is aligned across departments.
By avoiding these common DMARC implementation mistakes, you can strengthen your email security and improve deliverability. Start with monitoring, ensure alignment, and test thoroughly. As you move forward, make adjustments gradually and involve all the necessary teams. By doing so, you’ll secure your email ecosystem and protect your brand’s reputation.
