Step-by-Step:
How to Create a DMARC Record for Your Domain in Under 10 Minutes


Establishing a DMARC record may seem like a job solely for IT experts. However, the reality is that with proper instructions, anyone can accomplish it in less than ten minutes. DMARC serves to safeguard your domain against spoofing, phishing, and various email threats. By setting up a DMARC record correctly, you not only enhance your organization’s reputation but also boost the likelihood of your emails being delivered successfully.


Why DMARC Matters More Than Ever


The frequency of email-related threats is increasing. Cybercriminals are pretending to be legitimate domains to deceive individuals into revealing personal information or clicking harmful links. DMARC plays a crucial role in combating this issue by confirming if an incoming email is genuinely from the domain it claims to represent.

DMARC collaborates with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), which serve to verify both the sender and the integrity of the message. By adding a DMARC record to your DNS configuration, you can instruct receiving email servers on how to manage emails that do not pass these authentication tests, and you can also receive reports regarding any suspicious activities.


Pre-Setup Checklist: What You Need Before You Begin



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1. SPF and DKIM Records in Place

  • Prior to establishing a DMARC record, make sure that your domain is equipped with valid SPF and DKIM records.

  • SPF specifies the authorized mail servers permitted to send emails on your domain’s behalf.

  • DKIM provides a digital signature that ensures the integrity of emails, confirming they remain unchanged during delivery.

If you haven't configured these yet, various email service providers, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, provide resources and tools to help you create them automatically.


2. Access to Your DNS Settings

To manage your domain's DNS settings, you must have login credentials for the DNS hosting service. This may be provided by your domain registrar or a separate DNS management provider.


Create Your DMARC Record in Under 10 Minutes


Step 1: Decide on Your DMARC Policy

DMARC offers three different policy choices:

  • None: This option solely monitors and generates reports, making it ideal for initial testing.

  • Quarantine: This setting identifies potentially fraudulent emails and directs them to the spam folder.

  • Reject: This policy outright denies any emails that do not pass authentication checks.

Suggested Initial Approach: Start with the "none" policy to gather reports and assess the performance of your legitimate email sources before transitioning to a more stringent policy.


Step 2: Create the DMARC Record

A DMARC record is a TXT-format DNS entry that you can include in your domain settings. Below is a template that you can adapt as needed:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com; pct=100; aspf=r; adkim=r

Here’s a breakdown of the components:

  • v=DMARC1: Indicates the version being used.

  • p=none: Specifies the policy.

  • rua=: The email address designated to receive aggregate reports.

  • pct=100: Indicates that the policy should be enforced for all emails.

  • aspf=r: Allows for relaxed alignment concerning SPF.

  • adkim=r: Permits relaxed alignment regarding DKIM.

Step 3: Add the DMARC Record to Your DNS

Follow these steps to complete the process:

  • Access the control panel of your DNS provider.

  • Locate the domain you wish to set up.

  • Select the option to create a new TXT record.

  • For Name/Host, enter _dmarc.

  • Set the Type to TXT.

  • Insert the DMARC record you generated into the Value field.

  • Save your changes and implement them.

And there you go! Your DMARC record is now live.


Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation

Changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to go live across the internet. You can verify your record using online tools like:

  • MXToolbox DMARC Lookup

  • DMARC Analyzer

Next Steps: Monitor and Optimize



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Track Your Reports

Once live, your DMARC record will start generating reports sent to the email address specified in the rua tag. These reports give insights into:

  • Which mail servers are sending on your behalf

  • Whether emails passed SPF/DKIM

  • Potential abuse or spoofing attempts

You can use tools like Postmark, Valimail, or EasyDMARC to read and interpret these XML-based reports.