How to sign DKIM with a 2048 bit key in Mailjet?

Summary

Implementing a 2048-bit DKIM key in Mailjet typically requires contacting their support for assistance, as there is no direct user interface option. While providing stronger cryptographic protection and being preferred for enhanced security, these keys demand careful DNS configuration due to the need for TXT record splitting. Older DNS systems might face limitations with longer TXT records. Mailjet documentation advises key rotation. RFC 6376 suggests supporting 2048-bit keys. Tools like EasyDMARC offer key generation. Experts recommend ensuring correct DNS syntax and proper DKIM alignment for DMARC. Cloudflare's TXT record length limits must be considered. Using DKIM with SPF and DMARC is essential, as is validating the record and monitoring DKIM performance. Remember, a 2048-bit key does not guarantee deliverability; sender reputation, engagement, and content quality matter.

Key findings

  • Mailjet Support Required: Mailjet setup of 2048-bit DKIM usually requires their support team.
  • Enhanced Security: 2048-bit keys offer greater cryptographic protection.
  • Complex DNS: DNS configuration requires TXT record splitting and checking for provider support.
  • No Deliverability Guarantee: Stronger DKIM keys do not guarantee email deliverability.
  • DMARC alignment: Requires valid DKIM signature and proper alignment for enhanced deliverability

Key considerations

  • Contact Mailjet Support: Contact Mailjet support to assist with set up of 2048 bit DKIM key
  • Check DNS Provider Compatibility: Confirm your DNS provider supports split TXT records and maximum TXT record lengths.
  • Validate Configuration: Use online tools to verify correct DNS record publication and signature validity.
  • Implement Comprehensive Security: Use DKIM in conjunction with SPF and DMARC.
  • Monitor DKIM Performance: Monitor DKIM performance and sender reputation to identify deliverability issues.
  • Validate TXT record: Validate your TXT record after creating it.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

Configuring a 2048-bit DKIM key in Mailjet involves contacting their support for setup, as there is no direct user interface option. While 2048-bit keys offer enhanced security against spoofing, they require careful DNS management, including splitting the TXT record into multiple parts. Support for split records and longer TXT record lengths is important. After setting up, verification via online tools and monitoring DKIM performance is crucial for ensuring deliverability and identifying potential issues. Note that a 2048-bit key alone doesn't guarantee better deliverability; sender reputation, engagement, and content quality remain critical factors.

Key opinions

  • Mailjet Support: Mailjet's support is typically required to set up a 2048-bit DKIM key.
  • Enhanced Security: 2048-bit DKIM keys provide stronger cryptographic protection against email spoofing and tampering.
  • DNS Management Complexity: Implementing 2048-bit keys requires splitting the DNS TXT record, which necessitates careful configuration and DNS provider compatibility.
  • No Deliverability Guarantee: A 2048-bit DKIM key alone doesn't ensure improved deliverability; other factors like sender reputation are essential.

Key considerations

  • DNS Support: Verify that your DNS provider supports split TXT records and the necessary length for a 2048-bit DKIM key.
  • Propagation Time: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate fully after updating the DKIM record.
  • Verification: Use online DKIM verification tools to confirm that the key is correctly published and the signature is valid.
  • Monitoring: Continuously monitor DKIM performance and sender reputation to identify and address any deliverability issues.
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow shares that some older DNS systems may have limitations with very long TXT records. Using a 2048-bit key requires splitting the DNS record, which might cause issues with systems that don't fully support it.

April 2022 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeeks forum notes that 2048-bit DKIM keys need to be split into multiple TXT records in DNS. Most modern DNS providers support this, but it's essential to check your provider's documentation.

July 2024 - EmailGeeks Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora explains that using a 2048-bit DKIM key provides stronger cryptographic protection against spoofing and tampering compared to shorter keys, improving email security.

July 2021 - Quora
Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost advises monitoring DKIM performance and reputation using feedback loops and reporting tools to identify and address any issues with email authentication or deliverability.

November 2022 - SparkPost
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that 2048-bit public keys can be a pain to manage in DNS.

January 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks states that 2048-bit keys are widely supported by DNS management tools. The issue is that they necessitate splitting the RR into two, and the web interfaces were initially slow to catch up.

June 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that there is no direct way to set up a 2048 bit DKIM in Mailjet, but their Support should be able to help.

March 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from SuperUser forum mentions that after updating the DNS record with the 2048-bit key, it can take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This can affect the validation of DKIM signatures.

May 2021 - SuperUser
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests contacting Mailjet support directly to request a 2048-bit DKIM key. They typically handle the generation and setup process.

May 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email On Acid explains that while a 2048-bit key improves security, it doesn't directly guarantee better deliverability. Deliverability depends on many factors including sender reputation, engagement, and content quality.

June 2021 - Email On Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox suggests using online DKIM record verification tools to confirm that the 2048-bit DKIM key is correctly published in DNS and that the signature is valid.

September 2022 - MXToolbox

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Experts emphasize the importance of careful DNS configuration and record splitting when implementing 2048-bit DKIM keys due to the length of the TXT record. They also highlight the reliance of DMARC on DKIM for enhanced deliverability, with a 2048-bit key preferred for stronger authentication when supported.

Key opinions

  • Secure but Complex: 2048-bit DKIM keys are more secure but require meticulous DNS configuration, including proper record splitting.
  • DMARC Reliance: DMARC depends on valid DKIM signatures and alignment for enhanced deliverability.
  • Stronger Authentication: Using a 2048-bit key is preferrable over 1024-bit for stronger authentication, when supported by your system.

Key considerations

  • DNS Configuration: Ensure proper record splitting and syntax when configuring DNS for 2048-bit keys.
  • DMARC Alignment: Verify DKIM alignment with DMARC policies to maximize deliverability benefits.
  • TXT record validation: Validate you TXT record using a 3rd party tool.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that while using a 2048-bit key is more secure, it may require more careful DNS configuration due to the length of the TXT record. Ensuring proper record splitting and syntax is vital for successful implementation.

June 2023 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource, Chris Roosenraad, explains that DMARC relies on DKIM passing, and that requires a valid DKIM signature and proper alignment for enhanced deliverability. Using a 2048-bit key, when supported, is preferrable over 1024-bit for stronger authentication.

April 2021 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
6Technical articles

Implementing a 2048-bit DKIM key in Mailjet involves creating a DKIM record and adding it to your DNS records. Mailjet's support can assist with key generation. Key rotation is recommended for security. RFC 6376 advises support for 2048-bit keys. Cloudflare's TXT record length limits must be considered, and DKIM should be used with SPF and DMARC. EasyDMARC provides a tool to generate secure 2048-bit keys.

Key findings

  • Mailjet Setup: Mailjet requires creating a DKIM record in DNS, with support available from their team for generation.
  • Key Rotation: Regular DKIM key rotation enhances security.
  • Security Standards: RFC 6376 recommends support for 2048-bit DKIM keys for improved security.
  • Record Limits: DNS providers like Cloudflare have TXT record length limits to be aware of when implementing.
  • Holistic Approach: Email authentication is best achieved by using DKIM, SPF, and DMARC together.
  • Automated Tools: Tools like EasyDMARC's DKIM record generator facilitate creation of 2048-bit keys.

Key considerations

  • DNS Configuration: Ensure correct TXT record creation and placement in DNS.
  • Support Assistance: Leverage Mailjet's support for generating and implementing 2048-bit keys.
  • Record Length Limits: Check and adhere to TXT record length limits imposed by your DNS provider.
  • Comprehensive Security: Implement DKIM in conjunction with SPF and DMARC for maximum protection.
  • Regular Maintenance: Adopt a schedule for periodic DKIM key rotation to maintain security.
Technical article

Documentation from Google emphasizes the importance of using DKIM, SPF, and DMARC together to enhance email security. Google also recommends using at least 2048-bit RSA keys for DKIM.

December 2021 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from Mailjet explains that to authenticate your domain with DKIM in Mailjet, you will need to create a DKIM record (a TXT record) and then add this information to your DNS records.

January 2025 - Mailjet
Technical article

Documentation from EasyDMARC specifies a DKIM record generator that can generate a 2048-bit key. This provides a more secure signature and makes the DKIM record unreadable to unauthorized users, preventing malicious attacks.

November 2023 - EasyDMARC
Technical article

Documentation from Mailjet explains that periodic DKIM key rotation is recommended to maintain security. Mailjet's support team can assist with generating a new 2048-bit key and updating the DNS record.

April 2022 - Mailjet
Technical article

Documentation from Cloudflare details maximum TXT record lengths. For DKIM records that need to be split, it's important to ensure each section is within the provider's size limits.

June 2023 - Cloudflare
Technical article

Documentation from RFC 6376 (DKIM Standard) specifies that implementations MUST support a minimum key size of 1024 bits, and SHOULD support 2048-bit keys or larger for improved security.

August 2023 - RFC Editor