Understanding DMARC
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) is a vital email authentication protocol designed to protect your domain from unauthorized use, commonly known as spoofing. DMARC policies—none, quarantine, and reject—instruct mailbox providers on handling emails failing authentication checks.
Why Monitor DMARC with ‘p=reject’?
Setting your DMARC policy to ‘reject’ is an important step towards securing your email domain. However, continuous monitoring remains essential for several critical reasons:
Ongoing Protection Against Threats
• Regular monitoring ensures continued defence against evolving spoofing and phishing threats.
• Enables immediate detection and response to unauthorised email-sending attempts.
Identifying Legitimate Email Issues
• Prevents legitimate email sources from being mistakenly rejected due to configuration errors.
• Quickly detects configuration changes in third-party email services or internal infrastructure that might affect deliverability.
Comprehensive Visibility
• Provides insight into all sources attempting to send emails on your behalf.
• Identifies previously unknown shadow IT or unauthorised internal usage of your domain.
Enhanced Reputation Management
• Confirms sustained authentication accuracy, fostering trust among mailbox providers.
• Helps maintain strong domain reputation by swiftly addressing potential authentication and alignment issues.
Detailed Insights from DMARC Monitoring
Continuous DMARC monitoring offers valuable, detailed information:
• Authentication Results (SPF, DKIM): Precise pinpointing of authentication failures.
• Sending IPs and Domains: Identification of all IP addresses and domains sending emails, spotting unauthorized activity immediately.
• Alignment Information: Verifies SPF and DKIM alignment for correct authentication.
• Mail Volume and Frequency: Monitoring trends or unusual spikes that could indicate malicious activity.
• Threat Detection and Mitigation: Real-time insights into phishing and spoofing attempts, enabling swift threat mitigation.
How EmailConsul Enhances DMARC Monitoring
EmailConsul specializes in comprehensive DMARC compliance and reporting, providing:• Centralised Reporting: Consolidated reports aggregating data from all sources and providers.
• Real-time Threat Alerts: Immediate notifications of authentication issues, unauthorized senders, or alignment discrepancies.
• Detailed Analysis: Insightful reporting on failed messages, pinpointing exact issues clearly.
• Customizable Dashboards: Tailored dashboards highlighting key trends and actionable insights.
• Historical Data and Trend Analysis: Long-term data tracking to identify patterns and emerging risks, supporting proactive decisions.
Long-term Benefits of Continuous DMARC Monitoring
Implementing continuous DMARC monitoring with EmailConsul, even after setting your policy to ‘p=reject,’ delivers substantial long-term advantages:
• Robust Security Posture: Continuous oversight ensures sustained protection against domain abuse.
• Improved Deliverability: Consistent authentication maintains optimal inbox placement.
• Brand Protection: Safeguards your domain's integrity, preserving trust with customers and partners.
• Operational Efficiency: Rapid resolution of authentication and deliverability issues, minimizing disruption.
Continuous DMARC monitoring isn’t optional—it’s essential. EmailConsul ensures your domain remains secure, your brand protected, and your email performance consistently excellent.