How To Fix SPF Issues In DNS Records (2024)

SPF, which stands for Sender Policy Framework, is a powerful email authentication standard designed to safeguard both senders and recipients from spam, spoofing, and phishing attacks.

By adding SPF records to a domain’s DNS records, domain owners can specify the IP addresses or domains authorized to send emails on behalf of their domain.

When an email server receives an email, it checks the SPF record for the domain in the email’s “from” address.

The email may be rejected or marked as spam if the email server’s IP address does not match the authorized IP addresses or domains listed in the SPF record.

SPF records are a critical component in protecting against email-related threats. They prevent spammers from using spoofed email addresses to deceive recipients into opening malicious attachments or clicking on harmful links.

Additionally, SPF records serve as a defense against phishing attacks, which are fraudulent emails sent from unauthorized sources to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.

Apart from enhancing security, SPF records can also positively impact email deliverability. Email service providers (ESPs) use SPF records to determine whether to deliver an email.

If an email fails SPF authentication, it might be rejected or labeled as spam, leading to reduced deliverability rates.

The Benefits of Using SPF Records

Before we delve into how to fix SPF issues, let’s briefly highlight the benefits of implementing SPF records:

Protection against Spam: SPF records reduce spam by preventing emails from unauthorized servers.
Defense against Spoofing: SPF records block emails sent from servers not authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain, thwarting spoofing attempts.
Mitigation of Phishing: SPF records safeguard against phishing attacks by preventing emails from being sent from unauthorized servers.
Improved Email Deliverability: ESPs are more likely to deliver your emails to recipients’ inboxes when your domain has an SPF record.

Who Needs an SPF Record?

SPF records are essential for all domain owners. Whether you’re an individual with a personal domain or a business with a brand to protect, SPF records benefit everyone. Here’s a list of people who should have an SPF record:

Domain Owners: As a domain owner, adding an SPF record protects your domain from spam, spoofing, and phishing, boosting your email deliverability.
Email Marketers: Email marketers benefit from SPF records to ensure that their emails are not rejected or marked as spam.
Businesses: For businesses, having an SPF record helps protect their brand reputation and maintain customer trust.
Individuals: Individuals sending emails from personal domains can safeguard their privacy and personal information with SPF records.

How to Add SPF Records

Adding an SPF record to your domain is a straightforward process. Follow these general steps:

Identify Mail Servers: Compile a list of all the mail servers you use to send emails from your domain and their respective IP addresses.
Create Your SPF Record: Your SPF record should identify the mail servers and domains authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. Add a DNS TXT record at your domain provider. Ensure it includes all authorized mail servers and domains.
Publish the SPF Record: Use your DNS manager or your DNS provider’s dashboard to publish the SPF record into your DNS.
Test Your SPF Record: Verify the functionality of your SPF record to ensure it’s working as intended.

Specific instructions for adding SPF records may vary depending on your domain provider.

For example, if you’re using Google Workspace, you can add an SPF record directly through your domain provider’s management console.

Similarly, Microsoft 365 provides instructions for setting up SPF.

Common SPF Record Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

While SPF records are powerful tools, a few common issues might arise. Here are some typical problems and troubleshooting tips:

Incorrect SPF Syntax: Ensure that your SPF record is correctly formatted. Utilize an SPF record checker to help with this.
Missing IP Addresses: Make sure your SPF record includes all authorized IP addresses. Omitting any IP addresses can lead to rejected emails from authorized senders.
Incorrect SPF Modifiers: Use SPF modifiers correctly to ensure your SPF record functions as expected. Refer to the Sender Policy Framework website for more information.
Multiple SPF Records: Each domain should have only one SPF record. Multiple SPF records can result in email rejections or spam labeling.

If you encounter issues with your SPF record, consider using an SPF record checker, such as the one offered by Courier, to troubleshoot the problem.

How to Check Your SPF Record

If you want to check your SPF record, follow these steps:

Visit the SPF Record Checker website.
Enter your domain name in the “Domain” field.
Click the “Check SPF Record” button.

The SPF Record Checker will verify your SPF record and display the results, including the SPF record status, syntax, modifiers, and IP addresses. If your SPF record is valid, the status will show “Pass.” An invalid SPF record will be marked “Fail.”

To ensure accurate results, remember the following:

Enter the correct domain name.
Double-check the IP address if you’re using a proxy server.
Verify the IP address for cloud-based email services, if applicable.

Contact your domain registrar or email service provider for assistance if you have any concerns or questions about your SPF record.

In conclusion, SPF records are vital in protecting your domain from spam, spoofing, and phishing.

By implementing SPF records, you not only enhance your email security but also improve your email deliverability.

So, why wait? Protect your domain with SPF records today, and let those spammy emails know they are not welcome!