Imagine having an email business partner that will stand the test of time. Solid, dependable and a protector of the same things that you yourself hold dear.
Someone who understands what is essential to the viability of your business.
Let me introduce DKIM, DMARC and the DNS record.
A round of applause please, for these are the acronyms that should make up a part of your business website’s life
The strong, silent types.
Not all heroes wear capes.
The Three Amigos
DKIM, DMARC and ultimately the DNS record are security rules for the protected delivery of your business emails.
DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) is an authentication method that allows a safety net between you your domain and email recipients.
The Difference?
Essentially, DKIM verifies which emails are legitimate ones while DMARC advises what you might do with the mail that is suspicious.
Partners in non-crime.
OK So What’s Are DNS Records
No, these aren’t your favorite vinyl LPs from the 70’s. There’s no vintage ABBA and not a trace of Journey or Kiss Alive albums anywhere.
Sorry to disappoint.
A DNS (Domain Name System) record’s basic role is to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
Consider it an agent between you, the website searcher, and your desired website.
For example, if you are looking for a website like Google.com a DNS takes what you are looking for and translates it into terms that the computer understands.
Computers only understand IP addresses, not names.
This Way to Easy Street
So now you know a little bit more, you can now discover how to do it yourself.
Here’s the simplest way to add and manage DNS records in cPanel.
- Log into your cPanel by using your username and password. Remember, you will need to establish these credentials first.
- Go to the Domains area and find Zone Editor.
- Go to a Specific Domain name and find the “Manage” section/tab.
- Now find the + sign that depicts “Add Record.”
- Go to the Valid Zone Name section and enter your Domain name that you wish to add the records to.
- Set the preferred TTL For this purpose choose 14400.
- The column along will ask for the Type. Here is where you input either the TEXT/CNAME/mail server/
- The next column along is for the IP Address.
- Save the record.
You can also manage the records by entering what you have established and delete if required or edit your previously input information. Simply go to the Manage selection.
Why Should I Care?
For any business having an email security mindset is now crucial.
If all this seems a bit confusing, you’re not alone.
There’s no need to run to your programming guys with tears in your eyes. In their simplest definition, these terms are all about having more control over your email delivery.
DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) is an authentication method that allows a safety net between your domain and email recipients.
With its eagle eye, this functionality can protect emails from falling into the hand of people who choose to use your messages to impersonate your brand or even send malicious emails.
It sits in the background at a server level, quietly going about its duties to protect and serve your email recipients.
Does it sound like someone else’s job? Well, you may have an in house expert, but most don’t, so consider this an exercise in self-education.
This can be a complicated topic to get your head around but once you know it, it’s a friend for life.
Seek assistance from your Web host if you need guidance. That’s what they are there for. Your host can explain things without the jargon, for those just wanting to get on with business.
Need help with keeping the scammers at bay? Contact us today for the best in Web hosting for your business needs.