DMARC TXT Record Example: Enhancing Email Security (2024)

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, protecting your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks is of utmost importance.

One powerful tool that can help fortify your email security is DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance).

In this blog post, we will explore DMARC TXT records, provide an example of a DMARC TXT record, explain how to create one, and verify its formatting for maximum effectiveness.

DMARC TXT Record Example

An example of a DMARC TXT record looks like this:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; pct=100; rua=mailto:[email protected]

This record instructs receiving servers to reject all emails that fail DMARC authentication. Let’s break down the tags in this record:

v – The DMARC version number, which must be set to DMARC1.
p – The DMARC policy, indicating the action to be taken on emails that fail DMARC authentication. The possible values are none, quarantine, and reject.
pct – The percentage of emails that should be subjected to the DMARC policy. This can be a number between 0 and 100.
rua – The email address where DMARC reports will be sent. This is an optional tag, but it is recommended to include it to track your DMARC policy’s effectiveness.

How to Create a DMARC TXT Record

Creating a DMARC TXT record is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:

Visit your DNS hosting provider and access the DNS management interface.
Choose to create a new DNS record and select the TXT record type.
In the “Name” or “Host” field, enter “_dmarc” followed by your domain name or subdomain, such as “_dmarc.example.com”.
In the “Value” or “Data” field, input the DMARC record information. Start the DMARC record with “v=DMARC1;” followed by the desired policy and other optional tags. For example, “v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]”.
Save or create the record.

The specific steps may vary depending on your DNS hosting provider. Some providers may have a dropdown list of record types, while others may require manual entry of the record type as “TXT”.

Remember that two required tag-value pairs should be present in every DMARC record: “v” (version) and “p” (policy). Starting with a policy value of “p=none” is recommended to identify email delivery problems without accidentally quarantining or rejecting emails.

How to Verify the Correct Formatting of a DMARC TXT Record

Verifying the correct formatting of your DMARC TXT record can be easily done using various online tools and diagnostic services. Here are some options:

DMARC Inspector by dmarcian: This tool allows you to view and test the validity of any domain’s DMARC record. It helps identify if your TXT record is valid and published correctly, preventing mistakes in its formatting.
DMARC Record Checker by Courier: This diagnostic tool enables you to check any domain’s DMARC record and determine its accuracy. It helps you validate your DMARC record, ensuring its correct formatting.
Dig feature in the Google Admin Toolbox: If you’re using Google Workspace, the Dig feature in the Google Admin Toolbox allows you to see and verify your DMARC TXT record. You can check the TXT record name and verify its formatting by entering “_dmarc” followed by your complete domain name.
DMARC Record Check by Mimecast: Mimecast offers a DMARC record checker tool that displays an organization’s DMARC record while testing its validity. It helps you validate your DMARC records and correctly format them.
DMARC Lookup and Checker by EasyDMARC: This free online tool from EasyDMARC allows you to verify and validate your domain’s DMARC record. By entering your domain name, the tool retrieves the DMARC record and provides a comprehensive configuration analysis. It helps you identify any issues with your DMARC record and ensures its proper setup and compliance.

By using these tools, you can easily check the formatting and validity of your DMARC TXT record. Simply enter your domain name or the specific TXT record, and the tools will provide you with the necessary information to verify its correctness.

Conclusion

Implementing a DMARC TXT record is essential in safeguarding your domain from email spoofing and phishing attacks.

By providing an example of a DMARC TXT record, explaining how to create one, and verifying its formatting using online tools, this blog post aims to help you enhance your email security.

Remember, a properly configured DMARC TXT record can significantly reduce the risk of email impersonation and ensure the authenticity of your emails.

So, take action now, create your DMARC TXT record, and enjoy safer email communications!