Today we will explain and get deep into one other really essential DNS record type – DKIM record. First, we will see what does it abbreviation means and then how it works. Finally, we will explore its benefits. So, let’s start.
Explanation of DKIM record
The DKIM record, or Domain Keys Identified Mail, is a security standard allowing domains to sign outgoing emails through cryptographic authentication. In this approach, domains can demonstrate that the emails arriving from their end are authentic. So they are trustworthy. The DKIM record also protects communications to stop tampering with them while in transit (sending server-recipient server).
What is the way it operates?
A public key is published by a domain owner who is in charge of its DNS records (cryptographic). It’s stored in a modified TXT file. It will be the means for recipients to verify the sender’s identity.
When a mail server (sender) sends an email, it includes a DKIM signature in the email header. That signature is a hash value, which is a unique textual string encrypted with a private key known only to the sender. In addition, the header contains two cryptographic hashes as well as information about how the signature was created. One belongs to the message body, and the other to the specified headers.
When the receiver email server receives an email, it initiates a DNS request to locate the sender domain’s public key. The DKIM signature contains information that can be used to locate that key.
The sender’s email server will locate and decrypt the e-DKIM mail’s signature to its primary hash values. These will differ from the values obtained from the received email. If there is a match, DKIM will recognize them as legitimate.
Advantages of implementing DKIM record
- It’s simple to set up. An administrator can do it directly.
- It aids in preventing spoofing and phishing.
- It serves as a strong barrier against malicious and fake emails. Protect the messages sent from your domain from manipulation and harming the recipients and your reputation using DKIM.
- It secures your domain’s mail server, and its capabilities can be expanded by combining it with other DNS records, such as DMARC.
- It contributes to the development of your long-term reputation. Your domain will gain a positive sending reputation with ISPs as you send an email and enhance your delivery practices (low spam and bounces, high engagement). This will increase email deliverability.
How to check the DKIM record for your domain name?
You can do it by using a nslookup or dig command. Of course, this depends on the Operating system you use (Windows, Linux. macOS). In our example, we will use dig. So, you can obtain the TXT record for example.net using the method described below:
- Open the Terminal
- Write the following command: dig +short google._domainkey.example.net TXT
- Press enter
- The returned result should look like this: “v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQDYsSRDOUCVJQ75/rOd4wG8ToeuGHp8xbuySJ2vWUfTwiOJO7Bj2YCthDF76WAQJDxkn0Ji/EnaPnRpWK6lkTugetgSxcdFJOP2GXgpxlz4mVV/cioeORfZRzKW1NEP8mQUxLUhHGtPstJyeX/RHPqTxx51nirCww5w/ElVWwMw8wIDAQAB”
Conclusion
It’s now time to start using the DKIM record now that you understand what it is and why you need it. For the optimum outcome, combine the DKIM record with the SPF and DMARC records. As a result, you will have more freedom to send and receive emails.