What is DMARC?
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) is an email validation system designed to protect a domain from unauthorized use, also known as email spoofing. DMARC enables email domain owners to protect their domains from phishing and fraud.
DMARC uses SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) to ensure that an email message authentically comes from the domain it claims to be from.
DMARC provides a way for the email sender to indicate that SPF and/or DKIM protect their emails. It tells the receiving email server what to do if neither of those authentication methods passes—such as rejecting the message or reporting the failure. This helps to prevent email phishing and improves email deliverability.
What is Changing with DMARC in 2024?
DMARC is undergoing significant changes, primarily driven by new requirements and guidelines from major email service providers and global cybersecurity agencies.
Google and Yahoo are leading the charge in requiring bulk email senders to authenticate their emails using DMARC, SPF and DKIM.
This mandate particularly targets those sending over 5,000 emails per day, emphasizing the need for strict compliance to enhance email security and reliability. However, we anticipate additional global organizations to join in this mandate as the year progresses.
These updates aren't just limited to private-sector mandates. They are also part of broader cybersecurity policies across various countries. For example, government bodies in the UK and the United States have implemented mandates requiring DMARC, SPF and DKIM records for enhanced email and web security. Such measures reflect a global effort to combat phishing attacks, email spoofing and other cybersecurity threats.
Who Does DMARC Affect and What is the Timeline?
There are many organizations affected by the new email regulations coming forth in early 2024. Sales, marketing and e-commerce teams at organizations that rely on email marketing to interact with prospects and customers could see detrimental impacts to email deliverability if they do not authenticate their domains.
The new set of email sending rules applies to:
- All regular email senders.
- Bulk senders are categorized as sending more than 5,000 emails to Gmail accounts within 24 hours. These senders will have additional rules beyond regular email senders.
The 5,000 email limit applies to messages from the same domain — not individual email addresses.
The timeline to start seeing changes with your email send is as follows:
- February 2024: The new DMARC rules will go into effect. At this time, there will be no major penalties for failure to comply. Google will notify the sender of the error, along with an error code. According to Google’s documentation, these messages are intended to help identify email issues “so that senders can resolve issues that result in non-compliance.”
- April 2024: Google will begin rejecting a percentage of bulk senders’ emails that don’t meet the guidelines. The rejection rate will gradually increase over time.
- June 1, 2024: Bulk senders must have implemented one-click unsubscribe.
Is DMARC Necessary for My Business?
In the face of these evolving requirements, organizations must ensure their email security protocols are current. This includes setting up a DMARC policy, monitoring DMARC compliance and issues and working towards DMARC enforcement with stricter policies.
The changes in DMARC are about more than just compliance with the new standards set by entities like Google, Yahoo or governmental cybersecurity bodies. New DMARC requirements represent a shift towards a more secure and trustworthy email ecosystem, crucial in an era where email remains a primary communication and marketing tool. Adhering to these standards not only boosts email security but also enhances email deliverability and reputation, ensuring that organizations maintain their clients’ and stakeholders' trust and confidence.
Understanding and implementing DMARC requirements doesn’t just improve your security. It also supports your ongoing email marketing efforts and engagement.
Given these requirements’ complexity and evolving nature, staying informed and prepared is critical. This involves understanding the technical aspects of DMARC, SPF and DKIM and implementing them correctly to meet the new standards and contribute to a safer email environment for all users.
For those organizations subject to PCI-DSS compliance, implementing DMARC is an affordable option to help your teams partially meet the new PCI-DSS 4.0 requirement 5.4.1. Implementation of DMARC eliminates e-mail spoofing of internal e-mail addresses, which can be used to redirect customer payments or attempt to harvest internal credentials.
Why Complete A Free Email Boost DMARC Domain Review?
A free Email Boost DMARC review from Intersec Worldwide offers several significant benefits for a company, especially in navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape and the increasing importance of email as a business communication tool.
Email remains a top vector for cyber-attacks like phishing and spoofing. An Email Boost DMARC review can help your company assess and improve its email security posture. It ensures that emails are authenticated, reducing the risk of malicious activities using the company’s domain. It also enhances the deliverability of legitimate company emails, ensuring critical communications reach their intended audience.
An Intersec Worldwide Email Boost DMARC review will help your company comply with evolving email authentication standards and requirements, avoiding potential legal and operational complications. Our experience guides you in understanding what you need to know and what you need to do to protect your business and your digital relationship with your customers.
Why Choose Intersec Worldwide?
Intersec Worldwide is known for its expertise in the field of cybersecurity for organizations of all sizes.
Your free Email Boost DMARC review provides a cost-effective starting point for evaluating and enhancing your email security.
A DMARC review and active anti-spoofing technology are no longer optional. Both are an essential step in safeguarding your digital communications and maintaining the integrity of your business operations and email communications.
As a full-service, client-centered cybersecurity partner, Intersec Worldwide can provide the hands-on attention you need to ensure that your communication efforts are optimized, protecting your company while keeping your digital audience reach intact. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
