Summary
Proper DMARC setup is a multi-faceted approach to email authentication. It involves creating a DMARC record in your DNS as a TXT entry named `_dmarc.yourdomain.com`, defining your policy (p=none/quarantine/reject), and setting up reporting with 'rua' and 'ruf' tags. It is crucial to have SPF and DKIM configured beforehand. A phased approach, starting with p=none and gradually increasing stringency, is recommended. DMARC applies primarily to the root domain but can extend to subdomains. While a DMARC vendor can aid in report analysis, it isn't essential, but `rua` reporting is required for Yahoo/Google compliance. Use online tools to validate your DMARC record syntax. DMARC helps protect against spoofing and phishing attacks.
Key findings
- DNS TXT Record: DMARC record is a TXT entry named `_dmarc.yourdomain.com` in DNS.
- SPF/DKIM Dependency: SPF and DKIM must be configured before implementing DMARC.
- Policy Levels: DMARC policies (p=none, quarantine, reject) dictate how receivers handle failing emails.
- Reporting with RUA/RUF: 'rua' and 'ruf' tags enable aggregate and forensic reporting, respectively.
- Subdomain Applicability: DMARC policies can extend to subdomains.
- Root Domain Setup: The DMARC record is primarily setup on the root domain.
Key considerations
- Phased Implementation: Start with 'p=none' and gradually increase stringency to avoid deliverability issues.
- Vendor Assistance: DMARC vendors can simplify report analysis but aren't required for basic setup.
- Syntax Validation: Validate the DMARC record syntax using online tools to prevent configuration errors.
- New Compliance Requirements: Always set up rua= reporting due to new Yahoo/Google requirements.
- Organizations Risk Tolerance: Organizations should select policy (p=none/quarantine/reject) on their risk tolerance.
What email marketers say
12 marketer opinions
Proper DMARC setup involves creating a DMARC record in your DNS settings, specifying your policy for handling emails that fail SPF and DKIM authentication. Key steps include setting up SPF and DKIM first, choosing a DMARC policy (p=none, quarantine, or reject) based on your risk tolerance, and configuring DMARC reporting using 'rua' and 'ruf' tags. Subdomain handling should also be considered. DMARC vendors can help with monitoring and analysis, but aren't always necessary to meet minimum Google and Yahoo requirements.
Key opinions
- SPF/DKIM First: Implement SPF and DKIM before DMARC for proper email authentication.
- DMARC Policy Options: DMARC policies (p=none, quarantine, reject) dictate how recipient servers handle failing emails.
- Subdomain Considerations: DMARC policies can apply to subdomains, either explicitly or through wildcard policies.
- Reporting Tags: 'rua' and 'ruf' tags enable DMARC reporting for monitoring email traffic.
- Record Validation: Use online tools to validate DMARC record syntax and configuration.
- Policy Evolution: Progressively transition from p=none to p=quarantine and p=reject as confidence in setup grows
Key considerations
- DMARC Vendor: DMARC vendors can simplify report analysis but aren't essential for basic compliance.
- Risk Tolerance: Choose a DMARC policy based on your organization's risk tolerance and authentication maturity.
- Reporting Monitoring: Regularly monitor DMARC reports to identify and address authentication issues.
- Minimum compliance: At minimum Google and Yahoo now require p=none to be compliant.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow user shared that a common DMARC setup is v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com. This record tells recipient servers to send DMARC reports to the specified email address, without rejecting or quarantining any email.
22 Apr 2025 - StackOverflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailGeeks forum user responds that a DMARC vendor will allow you to aggregate, sort and analyse DMARC reports on your domains making changes easy to perform.
18 Apr 2023 - EmailGeeks Forum
What the experts say
6 expert opinions
Properly setting up DMARC involves creating TXT records in your DNS zone, specifically under `_dmarc.yourdomain.com`. This record defines your DMARC policy (using tags like `p`), sets up reporting (`rua` for aggregate reports), and leverages SPF and DKIM for authentication. Records should be set up for the root domain. Including an `rua` value is necessary to comply with Yahoo and Google requirements. While a DMARC vendor is advisable, setting up the core DNS records is fundamental.
Key opinions
- Root Domain: DMARC records should be set up for the root domain.
- TXT Record: Create DMARC records as TXT entries in your DNS zone under `_dmarc.yourdomain.com`.
- RUA Tag Required: Including an `rua` value (reporting URI) is necessary to comply with Yahoo and Google requirements.
- SPF/DKIM: DMARC policies manage messages that fail SPF and DKIM checks, so ensure you have these set up beforehand.
Key considerations
- DMARC Vendor: Using a DMARC vendor can simplify management and analysis, but is not strictly required.
- DMARC Tags: Understand and configure the different DMARC tags (`v`, `p`, `rua`, `ruf`) to define your policy and reporting preferences.
- Compliance: Be aware of the changing compliance requirements from email providers like Yahoo and Google. Always set rua= reporting.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks answers that the DMARC record should be setup for the root domain only.
19 Mar 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that DMARC setup involves creating a TXT record in DNS with the name `_dmarc.yourdomain.com`. The content of the record defines your DMARC policy and reporting preferences. Key tags include `v` (DMARC version), `p` (policy), `rua` (aggregate report URI), and `ruf` (forensic report URI).
26 Apr 2025 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
DMARC is an email authentication protocol designed to protect domains from spoofing and phishing. Setting up DMARC involves publishing a DMARC record (a TXT record) in your DNS settings with the name '_dmarc'. This record specifies your policy for handling emails that fail SPF and DKIM checks and defines where to send reports. Important tags include 'v' (DMARC version), 'p' (policy), 'rua' (aggregate report URI), and 'ruf' (forensic report URI). DMARC works in conjunction with SPF and DKIM to provide comprehensive email authentication.
Key findings
- DMARC Protocol: DMARC is an email authentication protocol protecting against spoofing.
- DNS Record: A DMARC record is published as a TXT record in DNS under '_dmarc'.
- Policy Specification: The DMARC record specifies how to handle emails failing SPF and DKIM.
- SPF & DKIM: DMARC works with SPF and DKIM for comprehensive authentication.
Key considerations
- Record Propagation: Allow up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate after creating/modifying the DMARC record.
- Tag Configuration: Carefully configure DMARC tags to define the appropriate policy and reporting.
- Spoofing Prevention: DMARC helps to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that for Microsoft 365, DMARC helps prevent spoofing and phishing attacks. It explains the importance of also setting up SPF and DKIM alongside DMARC for comprehensive email authentication.
23 Aug 2024 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from RFC7489 describes the technical specification for DMARC, outlining the protocol's mechanisms, record syntax, and reporting procedures in detail. It serves as the authoritative reference for understanding the DMARC standard.
21 Jul 2022 - RFC Editor
Do Yahoo and Gmail require DMARC authentication for senders?
Do I need domain host access to update DMARC records?
Are there GDPR concerns related to IP addresses in DMARC reporting?
Can DMARC reports be sent without RUA or RUF addresses?
Are DMARC RUA and RUF tags mandatory for compliance and what are their benefits?
Do I need DMARC for transactional emails from a small website, and what are the best low-cost alternatives for sending emails if my IP is blocked?
Do all email service providers support DMARC, and what does 'support' mean in this context?
How do I properly set up SPF and DKIM records for email marketing, including handling multiple SPF records, IP ranges, bounce capturing, and Google Postmaster Tools verification?
How can DMARC reports be enriched with user-level data for better domain enforcement?
How do DMARC, spam complaints, and IP reputation affect email deliverability and rejections?
