With DKIM, inbox providers can verify the identity of the sender.
Earlier when mail and SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol) were developed, there was no need for verification and validation of messages.
Unfortunately, as email grew, Attackers found that they could exploit recipients by sending malicious messages, spoofing domains, and sending spam
Email spoofing happens when a bad actor creates and sends emails to recipients from a forged email address.Email authentication practices like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC were developed in order to stop these types of malicious emails from reaching recipient inboxes.
What is DKIM? #
DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) is a cryptographic technology that senders can use to “sign” their messages with. DKIM allows the receiver of an email message to check if that message was authorised and sent by the sender responsible for the domain. When messages are not signed with DKIM, inbox providers like Gmail and Microsoft can block messages and prevent them from being delivered to recipients.
How does DKIM work? #
DKIM is a relatively simple form of email authentication because its only function is to verify that the sender of an email is responsible for the domain the email is sent from, and they are responsible for the content of the email. The two steps for DKIM are:
- A sender adds a private key on their mail servers and signs the message.
- The receiving server checks the public key stored in the txt record of dkimselector._domainkey.domain.com to validate the private key added by the sender.
How does DKIM prevent domain spoofing? #
As a brand, if you implement DKIM, you’re essentially signing your email and telling inbox providers that the mail coming they’re getting is from your domain and you’re taking responsibility for it. This means that bad actors cannot send mail from addresses like @Migosmtp.com .
Why is DKIM important? #
DKIM is important , as through it inbox providers can verify the identity of the sender. Without implementing DKIM correctly, many inbox providers will block your email, preventing your messages from getting to their intended destination.
