Will OpenDKIM wildcard configuration work?

Summary

OpenDKIM wildcard configurations are generally supported and simplify management across multiple subdomains by using a single key. Documentation confirms their validity, while marketers emphasize the ease of managing fewer records. However, experts and marketers caution that this approach centralizes risk; a compromised key affects all subdomains. Proper implementation requires including the asterisk in both DNS and OpenDKIM configuration. Regular monitoring, key rotation, strong keys, and testing are recommended. While not directly about wildcard, other experts notes that other methods using single keys exist and basic deliverability practices still apply.

Key findings

  • Validity & Support: Wildcard configurations are valid and supported by OpenDKIM and other platforms.
  • Simplified Management: Wildcards reduce administrative overhead by using one key for numerous subdomains.
  • Centralized Security Risk: A compromised key affects all subdomains under the wildcard, which is the most prominent risk.
  • Implementation Requirement: The asterisk must be correctly configured in both DNS and OpenDKIM.

Key considerations

  • Security Implications: Carefully weigh the risk of centralized key compromise.
  • Monitoring and Auditing: Implement regular monitoring and auditing to detect unauthorized use.
  • Key Rotation: Regularly rotate DKIM keys.
  • Key Length: Use strong key lengths.
  • Testing: Test the configuration with a subset of subdomains before global deployment.
  • Configuration Alternatives: Consider methods to sign with a single DKIM key if wildcard is unsuitable.
  • Email Basics: Remember core email security standards still apply.

What email marketers say
7Marketer opinions

The consensus is that OpenDKIM wildcard configurations *can* work, offering simplified DKIM management across multiple subdomains. However, proper implementation, monitoring, and security considerations are crucial. You must include the asterisk in both the DNS record and the OpenDKIM configuration. While it reduces administrative overhead, it also centralizes security risks.

Key opinions

  • Feasibility: Wildcard DKIM configurations *can* work when properly implemented.
  • Simplification: Wildcards reduce administrative overhead by allowing a single key for multiple subdomains.
  • Security Impact: Compromising one subdomain key compromises all subdomains using the wildcard.
  • Monitoring Importance: Regular monitoring is vital to detect unauthorized use.

Key considerations

  • Implementation: Ensure asterisks are correctly used in both DNS and OpenDKIM configurations.
  • Risk Assessment: Weigh the convenience of wildcard DKIM against the centralized security risk.
  • Key Security: Employ robust key management practices, including strong key lengths.
  • Testing: Test with a limited set of subdomains before global implementation.
  • Key Rotation: Regularly rotate DKIM keys to minimize potential damage from compromise.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Super User responds that using a single DKIM key for all subdomains with a wildcard is viable but advises caution. If one subdomain is compromised, the DKIM key is compromised for all subdomains.

December 2021 - Super User
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests that wildcard DKIM records are generally acceptable but recommends monitoring to ensure no unauthorized use occurs. Regularly auditing DKIM keys and configurations is important.

August 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailDudes Forum responds that implementing wildcard DKIM can simplify email authentication for numerous subdomains, but it also centralizes the risk. Compromise of the key impacts all subdomains. Regular key rotation is recommended.

January 2025 - EmailDudes Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow shares you have to include the asterisk in both the DNS record and the opendkim configuration. It works if both parts are correctly implemented, allowing for subdomain key usage.

July 2021 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox shares that wildcard DKIM records are supported, but careful planning is needed. They suggest testing with a small subset of subdomains before implementing it globally.

October 2021 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid support explains that wildcard DKIM is supported and reduces the number of records you have to manage. The security implications are that you are putting a lot of trust in 1 key so this must be kept secure.

December 2023 - SendGrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from AuthSMTP notes that you can setup DKIM using wildcard subdomains to make this simpler, they advise that you use a key that has adequate length.

January 2023 - AuthSMTP

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Experts provide mixed perspectives. One suggests wildcards *might* work but highlights the potential for over-signing. Another offers using a single key for all domains as an alternative to KeyTable configurations (though not directly addressing wildcard functionality). The third emphasizes DKIM's general importance for inbox placement, rather than specifically addressing wildcard usage.

Key opinions

  • Wildcard Uncertainty: Wildcard configurations *might* function but could lead to unintended signing behavior.
  • Alternative Configuration: Using a single key across domains is presented as a potential alternative, though not equivalent, approach.
  • DKIM Importance: DKIM setup is fundamentally important for email deliverability, regardless of wildcard usage.

Key considerations

  • Over-signing: Consider the potential for wildcard configurations to attempt signing all passing domains.
  • Configuration Options: Explore alternative DKIM configurations if wildcard behavior is undesirable.
  • Deliverability Basics: Ensure proper DKIM setup is a core component of your email deliverability strategy.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that while not directly answering about wildcard use, using a single key across multiple domains is a possible alternative to using KeyTable configurations.

December 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains the importance of DKIM setup, but only states this in the context of ensuring that you pass spam filters and land in the Inbox.

January 2023 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks responds that using a wildcard in OpenDKIM configuration might work, but it will attempt to sign for every possible domain passing through Postfix.

December 2021 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
6Technical articles

Documentation across various sources confirms that OpenDKIM wildcard configurations are valid and simplify DKIM management for multiple subdomains. Wildcard selectors in the KeyTable match any selector under the specified subdomain. However, proper permissions, key management, and general security best practices remain crucial regardless of wildcard usage. The DKIM RFC provides foundational understanding of DKIM, enabling informed wildcard implementation.

Key findings

  • Validity: OpenDKIM supports wildcard selectors in KeyTable files.
  • Simplification: Wildcards streamline DKIM configuration for numerous subdomains.
  • Security Neutrality: Wildcard use does not inherently impact security; proper practices are key.
  • DKIM RFC relevance: Understanding of the DKIM RFC is valuable for proper implementation

Key considerations

  • Permissions: Ensure appropriate permissions are set for keys and configurations.
  • Key Management: Maintain robust key management practices.
  • Security Practices: Adhere to general security best practices for DKIM.
  • RFC Foundation: Understand the DKIM RFC to ensure a correct implementation.
Technical article

Documentation from Ubuntu Forums notes that wildcard usage in the KeyTable (e.g., `mail._domainkey.*`) is valid and matches any selector. This simplifies the signing process for multiple subdomains using a single key.

April 2024 - Ubuntu Forums
Technical article

Documentation from Oracle explains the process required to configure the DNS and KeyTable records for DKIM using a single DKIM key and wildcard, this simplifies the setup process for subdomains.

January 2023 - Oracle
Technical article

Documentation from ServerFault explains using wildcards can simplify DKIM configuration for multiple subdomains. However, it does not indicate it inherently improves or degrades security. Configuration needs to ensure appropriate permissions are set and keys are managed properly regardless of wildcard use.

February 2023 - ServerFault
Technical article

Documentation from DKIM RFC details how DKIM signing works and specifies the components of a DKIM record. While not explicitly about wildcards, it provides the underlying technical information necessary to understand their implementation.

January 2022 - ietf.org
Technical article

Documentation from DigitalOcean explains wildcard DKIM records enable you to use a single DKIM key across multiple subdomains, reducing the administrative overhead of managing individual records. However, security best practices still apply.

April 2024 - DigitalOcean
Technical article

Documentation from OpenDKIM.org explains that wildcard selectors can be used in the KeyTable file. For example, `mail._domainkey.* *:mail:/etc/opendkim/keys/mail.private` will match any selector under the `mail._domainkey` subdomain.

October 2023 - OpenDKIM.org