Email Retention- Benefits & Best Practices
January 27, 2025Email security is an important concern for businesses and individuals alike. DKIM configuration is one of the most effective ways to protect email communications from spoofing and phishing attacks.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about DKIM Configuration, from understanding its importance to properly configuring DKIM and checking DKIM configuration to ensure its effectiveness.
Table of Contents
What is DKIM Configuration?
DKIM Configuration (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication method that allows senders to attach a digital signature to their emails. The recipient’s mail server then verifies this signature to confirm that the email has not been tampered with during transit.
The process of DKIM Configuration involves generating a public-private key pair, adding a DKIM record to the DNS, and ensuring that the email server correctly signs outgoing messages. Proper DKIM Configuration helps in reducing email fraud and increasing email deliverability rates.
Pricing
| Trail Plan | Standard Plan | Premium Plan | Professional Plan |
| $50 | $145 | $185 | $225 |
| Sending Limit | Sending Limit | Sending Limit | Sending Limit |
| 1000 Emails/Hour | 1500 Emails/Hour | 3000 Emails/Hour | 5000 Emails/Hour |
Why is DKIM Configuration Important?
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) Configuration is essential for improving email security and ensuring your emails are trusted by recipients. It helps prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks. Below are the key reasons why you should configure DKIM properly:
1. Prevents Email Spoofing and Phishing
- Without proper DKIM Configuration, hackers can send fake emails that appear to be from your domain.
- When you configure DKIM, it adds a digital signature to your emails, proving they are legitimate.
2. Improves Email Deliverability
- Many email providers, like DigitalAka and SMTPget, check DKIM signatures before delivering emails.
- If you do not configure DKIM, your emails may land in the spam folder instead of the inbox.
3. Build trust with Email Providers
- Email servers check DKIM configuration to verify that emails are sent from authorized sources.
- A properly configured DKIM record helps improve your domain reputation.
4. Enhances Email Security
- When you configure DKIM, it ensures that no one can tamper with your email content after it is sent.
- This protects email recipients from receiving altered or harmful messages.
5. Works with SPF and DMARC for Stronger Protection
- DKIM Configuration works best when combined with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance).
- A strong SMTP authentication setup, including a configured DKIM record, helps protect your brand from email fraud.
6. Easy to Set Up and Check
- You can configure DKIM by adding a special DKIM record in your DNS settings.
- Many online tools are available to check DKIM configuration and ensure it is set up correctly.
How to Configure DKIM?
Follow these simple steps for DKIM Configuration:
1. Check DKIM Configuration
Before setting up, check if DKIM is already configured for your domain.
- Use online DKIM checkers like MXToolBox.
- Contact your email service provider for DKIM details.
- Run the command: nslookup -type=txt selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com
2. Get DKIM Record from Your Email Provider
Most email providers generate DKIM records automatically.
- Log in to your email service provider.
- Go to the authentication or security settings.
- Find the DKIM section and generate a DKIM record.
3. Configure DKIM Record in DNS
Once you have the DKIM record, update your domain’s DNS settings.
- Log in to your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Namecheap).
- Find the DNS settings.
- Add a new TXT record.
- Save the changes.
4. Verify DKIM Configuration
After updating the DNS, verify if DKIM is working.
- Use tools like DKIMCore, Google Admin Toolbox, or MXToolBox.
- Send a test email to Gmail and check the email headers for DKIM=PASS.
5. Monitor DKIM for Issues
Regularly check your DKIM setup to ensure it is working correctly.
- Set up DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) for extra security.
- Review email reports for any failures.
Common DKIM Configuration Issues & Fixes
Here are the 10 most common issues and how to fix them.
1. DKIM Record Not Published
Issue: You need to configure the DKIM record in your DNS, but it is missing.
Fix: Go to your domain’s DNS settings and publish the correct DKIM record.
2. Incorrect DKIM Record Format
Issue: The DKIM configuration includes an incorrect format, such as missing characters or extra spaces.
Fix: Ensure the DKIM record is copied exactly as provided by your email service provider.
3. Multiple DKIM Records for the Same Selector
Issue: More than one DKIM record exists for the same selector, causing conflicts.
Fix: Keep only one valid DKIM record per selector in your DNS.
4. DKIM Key Too Short
Issue: Some providers require a minimum DKIM key length (e.g., 1024-bit or 2048-bit).
Fix: If your DKIM key is too short, generate and configure a new DKIM key with at least 1024-bit encryption.
5. Mismatch Between DKIM Selector and DNS Record
Issue: The DKIM selector used by the mail server does not match the one in the DNS.
Fix: Check DKIM configuration and make sure the selector in your email server settings matches the one in your DNS.
6. Missing or Misconfigured CNAME for DKIM
Issue: Some email providers require a CNAME entry instead of a TXT record.
Fix: Verify the provider’s DKIM setup instructions and ensure the correct CNAME record is added.
7. Email Server Not Signing Emails with DKIM
Issue: Even after you configure DKIM, emails are sent without a valid DKIM signature.
Fix: Ensure that DKIM signing is enabled on your email server.
8. Incorrect Public or Private Key Pair
Issue: The DKIM public key in DNS does not match the private key on the mail server.
Fix: Re-generate the DKIM key pair and update both the public key in DNS and the private key in the mail server settings.
9. DKIM Alignment Issues
Issue: The domain used in DKIM signing does not match the sender’s domain, leading to authentication failures.
Fix: Configure DKIM to use the same domain that appears in the “From” address of emails.
10. Failure to Check DKIM Configuration
Issue: DKIM records may be incorrect, but you haven’t checked them.
Fix: Use online DKIM check tools to check DKIM configuration and ensure everything is set up correctly.
Conclusion
Proper DKIM Configuration is essential for securing your email communications, improving email deliverability, and maintaining your brand’s reputation. By following the steps outlined in this guide to configure DKIM, you can protect your domain from spoofing and phishing attacks.
Always remember to check DKIM configuration periodically to ensure everything is working correctly. Additionally, combining DKIM Configuration with SPF and DMARC further strengthens your email security.
Implementing and maintaining DKIM Configuration enhances trust in emails, ensuring that messages are authenticated and successfully delivered to inboxes rather than spam folders.
