An SPF record is what?
SPF is a DNS TXT record called a sender policy framework record, which lists the servers permitted to send emails from a particular domain. Because it uses TXT, administrators can edit the text in the DNS using this record.
The “from” (address) of emails was not authenticated by the SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol) before the SPF record. That made it easier for thieves to impersonate a reliable sender to defraud a victim. In addition, Spoofers coerced victims into sharing sensitive information or taking specified actions against their finances or interests by posing as a bank or government agency. The SPF record was developed to add authentication capability and reduce these risks.
Why do you need an SPF record?
For a message to be delivered, an SPF record must include the sender’s IP address in its list. If not, it will be deleted or flagged as spam.
You can check the DMARC (domain-based message authentication, reporting, and compliance) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records in addition to the SPF record to determine whether the email source is dangerous reliable.
How does SPF record function?
The outgoing mail servers and their IP addresses are the approved senders, and domain owners can create a public list of all of these senders using SPF records. This list enables servers that receive emails to confirm whether an authorized server is sending the email to communicate on your company’s behalf. The server receiving the email will consider it phony if the message is not received from some of the servers in the list.
Why should your domain have SPF records?
Even without SPF records, emails have a possibility of being delivered, but if you want to maximize that likelihood and ensure 100% appropriate deliverability, you must have them.
It increases Internet service providers’ confidence in your identity and goals, increasing the likelihood that emails will be delivered to the inbox instead of being flagged as spam.
Criminals (phishers, spammers, etc.) are less likely to target domains with SPF records because bogus emails can be caught directly by spam filters. When such filters scan for the SPF record and recognize the emails are fake, they treat them as spam.
SPF must be used with other authentication tools and protocols (DKIM, DMARC, etc.) to be entirely successful. Therefore, the first step in creating a security barrier to stop abuse and improve deliverability is to have it on your domain.
DMARC and SPF
DMARC is built on several email authentication methods, including SPF. SPF and DKIM are connected through the DMARC email validation mechanism. To decide its results, DMARC adds a check on the alignment of the domains and uses the outcome of the SPF checks. In addition, DMARC employs SPF and DKIM and offers recipient email servers a set of guidelines on what to do in the event that they receive unauthenticated mail.
Conclusion
Let’s conclude. SPF record is a TXT DNS record type. It is critical for you and your business. Why? Because the use of it Help With Email Delivery and your customers, and potential ones will always receive your emails.