Know Your Acronyms To Protect Against SPAM – Tech Tip for November 24, 2020

To conclude our monthly theme of combating spam, this week we are covering some protocols that are important when protecting your organization against spam and malware.

We recommend that all our clients deploy DKIM, SPF, and DMARC. These three protocols add another layer of spam filtering that allows you to quarantine suspicious emails and review reports on specific emails within your organization. Because these protocols can only be enabled from the Microsoft Exchange Admin Center or via the Security Center, we strongly recommend that your Microsoft 365 administrator enable these services for you.

Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM)

Domain Keys Identified Mail, or DKIM as it is commonly referred to, is a method for ensuring that your emails are properly “electronically signed” by Microsoft when they are sent. Typically, DKIM is enabled by adding DNS records. This helps to prevent spoofing.

Sender Policy Framework (SPF)

Sender Policy Framework, or simply SPF, is an email-authentication technique which is used to prevent spammers from sending messages on behalf of your domain. SPF records are used for spam filtering and to prevent your emails from being flagged as spam.

Domain-Based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC)

DMARC, which stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, & Conformance, is an email authentication, policy, and reporting protocol. DMARC builds on the widely deployed SPF and DKIM protocols, adding features like the “FROM” author widget. DMARC allows administrators to link emails from a specific author or domain name, handle authentication failures, and monitor email traffic.

Contact TechWise Group for additional information on or questions on how to enable DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.