Email Sender Domain Settings
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      Setting Up DMARC to Protect Your Email Domain

      Prevent email spoofing and ensure deliverability by configuring DMARC for your domain—starting with monitoring and moving toward full protection.

      What is DMARC and Why It Matters

      DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that protects your domain from email spoofing, phishing, and other fraudulent activities. It helps mail servers verify that messages claiming to come from your domain are actually authorized—and instructs them how to handle unauthorized attempts.

      DMARC builds on SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), creating a clear policy and reporting mechanism for domain owners.

      With DMARC in place, you gain:

      • Control over how unauthenticated messages from your domain are handled (quarantined or rejected)

      • Visibility into who is sending email on your behalf through aggregate and forensic reports

      • Stronger protection for your supporters, partners, and brand reputation

      DMARC is a mandatory setting in the Data Talks CDP

      Major providers like Google are tightening DMARC enforcement. If you're sending emails using a third-party service without proper authentication, your messages may soon be rejected or sent to spam.

      When you’re using Data Talks to send “as” your domain, ensure DMARC is configured. Contact your provider for guidance if unsure about the steps.

      Step-by-Step: How to Implement DMARC

      1. Understand DMARC Policies

      DMARC policies determine how receiving mail servers should handle unauthenticated emails:

      • None (p=none): Monitoring only. Emails are delivered normally, but reports are generated.

      • Quarantine (p=quarantine): Suspicious emails may be placed in recipients’ spam or quarantine folders.

        Recommended for active protection once monitoring is complete.

      • Reject (p=reject): Emails failing authentication are blocked.
        Strongest enforcement—only use when you're confident your legitimate senders are aligned.

      2. Create and Publish a DMARC DNS Record

      You’ll need to create a TXT record in your domain’s DNS settings under _dmarc.yourdomain.com

      Specify your preferred DMARC policy (none, quarantine, or reject).

      Include information about how to handle failed authentication, such as email reporting options.

      Example DMARC DNS record:

      _dmarc.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc-forensic@yourdomain.com;"

      Example Minimal DMARC DNS record:

      _dmarc.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=DMARC1; p=none;"

      Key Tags:

      • v=DMARC1: Protocol version

      • p=: Policy (none, quarantine, reject)

      • rua=: Aggregate reports

      • ruf=: Forensic (detailed) reports (optional)

      3. Monitor and Adjust Gradually

      Start with p=none to observe traffic and detect unauthorized use of your domain. Analyze the reports to understand:

      • Which systems are sending on your behalf

      • Whether SPF and DKIM are correctly configured

      Once confident, escalate to quarantine and eventually to reject for full protection.

      ✅ DMARC Secures Your Communications

      By implementing DMARC, you protect your brand, improve email deliverability, and reduce the risk of attackers impersonating your organization. It’s a foundational step in building trust with your supporters.