What is the difference between DKIM and DomainKey and how do you implement DomainKey?

Summary

The overwhelming consensus from experts, email marketers, and documentation sources is that DomainKeys is an obsolete email authentication standard, superseded by DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). DKIM offers superior security, flexibility, and is the actively supported protocol. Implementing DomainKeys is strongly discouraged due to its deprecated status, potential resource consumption, and minimal impact on modern email deliverability. Instead, efforts should focus on implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for optimal email authentication.

Key findings

  • DomainKeys is Deprecated: All sources agree that DomainKeys is an outdated and obsolete email authentication standard.
  • DKIM is the Preferred Standard: DKIM is the modern, secure, and widely adopted replacement for DomainKeys.
  • DomainKeys Implementation Not Recommended: Experts and documentation sources advise against implementing DomainKeys in modern email systems.
  • DKIM Provides Better Security: DKIM offers enhanced security and flexibility compared to DomainKeys.
  • Focus on SPF and DMARC: Alongside DKIM, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) should be implemented for comprehensive email authentication.

Key considerations

  • Migrate from DomainKeys to DKIM: If a system is currently using DomainKeys, migrating to DKIM is highly recommended.
  • Prioritize DKIM Implementation: Focus resources and efforts on implementing and configuring DKIM correctly.
  • Ensure DNS Configuration: Verify that DNS records for DKIM (and SPF/DMARC) are properly configured for email authentication.
  • Avoid DomainKeys Configuration: Avoid spending time configuring DomainKeys as it will not provide the desired security or deliverability benefits.
  • Consider System Maintenance: If relying on DomainKeys, assess the overall maintenance and security of the email system, as other components may also be outdated.

What email marketers say
9Marketer opinions

The consensus among email marketers and experts is that DomainKeys is an outdated and deprecated email authentication standard that has been superseded by DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). Implementing DomainKeys is generally not recommended for modern email systems due to its reduced security, lack of support, and potential negative impact on CPU resources and delivery throughput. The focus should be on implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for optimal email authentication and deliverability.

Key opinions

  • DomainKeys Deprecated: DomainKeys is obsolete and no longer supported by most email systems.
  • DKIM Recommended: DKIM is the modern, more secure, and widely adopted email authentication standard.
  • Resource Intensive: Implementing DomainKeys can consume significant CPU resources, potentially slowing down email delivery throughput.
  • Low Deliverability Impact: Implementing DomainKeys is unlikely to improve email deliverability in modern email systems.
  • Focus on Modern Standards: Efforts should be directed towards implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for better email authentication and deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Migration to DKIM: If using DomainKeys, plan to migrate to DKIM as it provides better security and is actively supported.
  • Resource Allocation: Consider the CPU resource implications if still using DomainKeys on a legacy system.
  • DNS Configuration: Implementing DKIM involves generating a key pair and adding a DNS record. Ensure this is correctly configured.
  • SPF and DMARC: Combine DKIM with SPF and DMARC for comprehensive email authentication and protection against spoofing.
  • System Maintenance: If maintaining a legacy system, be aware that relying on DomainKeys may indicate other outdated and unmaintained components.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow responds that DomainKeys is an older authentication standard, less secure and now superseded by DKIM. Suggests it's generally not recommended to implement DomainKeys in a new system.

May 2024 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailSecurityGPT answers that DKIM is the modern and recommended protocol, and it's generally better to focus on DKIM, SPF and DMARC setup for modern email authentication. Focusing on implementing DomainKeys would be a waste of time.

February 2025 - EmailSecurityGPT.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from AuthSMTP responds that DomainKeys is an obsolete method of email authentication that has been replaced by DKIM. AuthSMTP recommends focusing on DKIM, SPF and DMARC for modern email authentication standards.

October 2021 - AuthSMTP
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox answers that DomainKeys is considered an older technology, and it's highly recommended that modern email systems use DKIM, SPF, and DMARC together for the best authentication and deliverability.

April 2022 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email marketer from SuperUser notes DomainKeys is an older, less secure protocol compared to DKIM. Implementing it would involve configuring a DNS TXT record with your public key, however, it's not advisable for modern systems.

March 2022 - SuperUser
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that there's no solution as domainkeys is deprecated, useless and logically unsupported, being replaced by dkim. Senders still signing with domainkeys are using outdated systems that aren't properly maintained.

August 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailChannels responds that DKIM is the newer standard which provides better security by using cryptographic signatures to verify the sender's identity and message integrity. Implementing DKIM typically involves generating a key pair and adding a DNS record.

November 2022 - MailChannels
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user shares that DomainKeys is an obsolete standard, and you're much better off focusing on DKIM, SPF, and DMARC. Suggests that implementing DomainKeys is unlikely to improve deliverability.

December 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that signing a lot of messages with domainkey will consume CPU resources and slow down your delivery throughput.

February 2024 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

Experts generally agree that DomainKeys is an outdated and deprecated email authentication method, having been largely replaced by the more secure and widely adopted DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). Implementing DomainKeys is considered pointless in modern email systems, with some suggesting it's only useful for historical interest. Instead, focus should be placed on DKIM for email authentication, as it is actively supported and widely used.

Key opinions

  • DomainKeys Deprecated: DomainKeys is an obsolete email authentication method.
  • DKIM is Preferred: DKIM is the modern and preferred email authentication method.
  • Limited Support: Providers may no longer support DomainKeys signing.
  • Outdated Code: Code for DomainKeys implementation is likely outdated and may no longer work.
  • Historical Interest Only: Implementing DomainKeys is primarily of historical interest only.

Key considerations

  • Focus on DKIM: Prioritize implementing and configuring DKIM for email authentication.
  • Avoid DomainKeys: Avoid investing time and resources in implementing DomainKeys.
  • Legacy Systems: If still using DomainKeys, consider upgrading to DKIM for improved security and support.
  • Check Provider Support: If you intend to use DomainKeys, verify if your email provider still supports it.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that DomainKeys is old, and that you should focus on DKIM for authentication as it's much more widely adopted and useful.

March 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that he's not sure anyone is still checking DomainKeys and that having it is sorta pointless. Suggests asking the provider if they even support signing these keys still.

September 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that you can look for open source libraries or MTA plugins that sign with domain keys, but that code is probably more than a decade old and may no longer work because Domain Keys is officially deprecated and not supported any longer.

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that DomainKeys is an obsolete email authentication technology, largely replaced by DKIM. He jokes that the only reason to implement DomainKeys now would be as an exercise in historical archaeology.

August 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that DomainKeys were basically deprecated by DKIM.

July 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
6Technical articles

Email authentication documentation consistently states that DomainKeys is an older, deprecated method superseded by DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). DKIM offers enhanced security and flexibility. While configuration details for DomainKeys involving public/private key pairs and DNS TXT records are available, implementing it is not recommended for modern systems. The focus should be on migrating to or implementing DKIM.

Key findings

  • DomainKeys Deprecated: DomainKeys is an outdated email authentication method.
  • DKIM is Superior: DKIM provides improved security and flexibility compared to DomainKeys.
  • Historical Significance: DomainKeys serves as a predecessor to DKIM and is now primarily of historical interest.
  • Configuration Details Available: Documentation exists detailing the configuration process for DomainKeys, but implementation is not advised.
  • DNS Records Involved: DomainKeys implementation required configuring DNS TXT records with public keys.

Key considerations

  • Migrate to DKIM: If currently using DomainKeys, prioritize migrating to DKIM.
  • Avoid New DomainKeys Implementation: Refrain from implementing DomainKeys in new email systems.
  • Understand DKIM Configuration: Focus on understanding and implementing DKIM for modern email authentication.
  • Review DNS Settings: Ensure proper configuration of DNS records for DKIM, as this is critical for effective authentication.
Technical article

Documentation from RFC 4870 (DomainKey specification) details the technical specifications for DomainKeys. This is largely for historical/archival purposes, as the standard has been superseded. Describes the method for signing email messages.

August 2021 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from Cisco notes DomainKey is an authentication method which validates the domain of the sender. It details the steps for configuration using a public/private key pair in DNS records, but generally advises migrating to DKIM.

August 2022 - Cisco
Technical article

Documentation from dmarcian says that DomainKeys is the predecessor to DKIM. DKIM provides improved security and is the recommended authentication method today. Configuring domain keys is no longer recommended.

June 2022 - dmarcian
Technical article

Documentation from Port25, a provider of email solutions, says that DomainKeys is an older standard superseded by DKIM. DKIM provides better cryptographic techniques and more flexibility. Provides instructions for configuring but notes its obsolescence.

February 2022 - Port25
Technical article

Documentation from DKIM.org explains that DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication system designed to verify the DNS domain of an email sender and the integrity of the message content. It evolved from earlier systems like DomainKeys, which is now largely deprecated.

November 2023 - DKIM.org
Technical article

Documentation from ReturnPath (now Validity) answers that DomainKeys is an older email authentication method that has been largely replaced by DKIM due to DKIM's enhanced security and flexibility. DomainKeys implementation involved creating a public/private key pair and publishing the public key in DNS TXT record.

August 2024 - ReturnPath (now Validity)