What is DMARC and Why Your Domain Needs It

By Mithun • Published on June 30, 2025

Image credit: millionaire.email

Have you ever received an email that looked like it came from your bank—but wasn't? That’s spoofing. DMARC helps stop that.

🔒 What is DMARC?

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that works with SPF and DKIM to prevent spoofed or fraudulent emails from being delivered using your domain name.

🛡️ Why DMARC Matters

• Protects your brand from impersonation and phishing.
• Improves email deliverability by proving you're legitimate.
• Reduces spam sent from your domain.

🧩 How It Works

DMARC uses two protocols — SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) — to check if an email is really from your domain. Then it tells the recipient's server what to do if the checks fail.

📈 DMARC Record Example

    v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:admin@yourdomain.com;
    

• p=none: Monitor only
• p=quarantine: Move suspicious emails to spam
• p=reject: Block emails that fail authentication

⚙️ How to Set It Up

1. Ensure SPF and DKIM are configured correctly for your domain.
2. Create a DMARC record in your DNS provider.
3. Start with p=none to monitor, then tighten to quarantine or reject.
4. Use tools like MXToolbox to test.

💡 Pro Tip

Use DMARC reports (rua) to monitor who is sending on behalf of your domain. This helps identify unauthorized sources.

"DMARC is not optional in 2025. It’s the minimum standard for secure email."