Is Your Email Really Secure?
Using a custom email address like [email protected] is a great start. It adds professionalism and builds trust with your audience, but simply setting up email isn’t enough. Without the right measures, your emails could end up in spam folders or worse, be used for fraud.
To protect your reputation and ensure reliable delivery, your domain needs to be secured with three essential protocols: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Common Email Issues and Misconceptions
We often hear questions like:
- Why are my emails going to spam?
- Why did someone say my email looked suspicious?
In most cases, the problem isn’t with your hosting or domain. Even if your email appears to work fine, it could still be missing critical authentication settings. Without SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, your emails are:
- Easier to spoof
- More likely to be flagged as spam
- Lacking credibility with receiving mail servers
The Three Essentials for Email Security
1. SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
What it does: SPF tells email servers which servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain.
Why it matters: Without SPF, anyone can pretend to be you — a tactic known as email spoofing. A valid SPF record helps receiving servers verify your identity and improves your chances of reaching the inbox.
Example: If you use Google Workspace, your SPF record should include Google’s mail servers. Do take note — Google doesn’t set this up for you. You’ll need to manually add it to your domain’s DNS settings.
Click here to know how to verify if your SPF record is set up correctly.
2. DKIM (DomainKeys Identifies Mail)
What it does: DKIM attaches a digital signature to each outgoing email, proving the message hasn’t been altered during transit.
Why it matters: Think of it like a tamper-proof seal. Without DKIM, your messages could be intercepted and modified without your knowledge. Most email services generate the DKIM key for you, but you must still add it to your DNS manually.
Click here to know how to add DKIM.
3. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
What it does: DMARC uses SPF and DKIM results to decide what should happen if a message fails authentication — reject, quarantine, or allow.
Why it matters: DMARC adds a powerful layer of control and visibility. It helps protect your domain from abuse and gives you reports on who’s sending email on your behalf. Over time, it boosts your email reputation and deliverability.
Click here to know more about SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
What Happens If These Are Missing?
Without proper email authentication:
- Your emails may land in spam or get blocked
- Scammers could impersonate your domain
- You risk damaging your brand’s reputation
How to Secure Your Email in 3 Steps
- Identify your email provider (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoho, Microsoft 365)
- Refer to their documentation for the correct SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records
- Log in to your domain’s DNS panel and add the necessary TXT records
Final Reminder
A custom email address is only as professional as it is secure. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC aren’t optional add-ons — they’re essential safeguards.
Even if your hosting and domain are fully set up, email security requires deliberate action. If you’d prefer a hands-off approach, we can help set everything up for you — no stress, no hassle.
