An SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record used to verify that an email message was sent from an authorized mail server on behalf of a specific domain. SPF is a security protocol that helps prevent email spoofing, a practice where a malicious actor sends emails pretending to be from a legitimate domain.
SPF works by allowing domain owners to publish a list of authorized IP addresses or mail servers that are permitted to send emails on their behalf. When an email is sent, the recipient's mail server checks the SPF record of the sending domain to see if the email came from an authorized source. If the email fails this check, it may be marked as spam or rejected.
Sender's Domain: The domain of the sender’s email identifies the permissible mail servers that convey emails to the sender by posting an SPF record in DNS.
Recipient Server: Whenever the recipient server receives an email from the sender, the server retrieves the SPF record of the sending domain and the sender's IP is checked to see if it is approved to send out emails for that domain.
Pass or Fail: When the sender’s IP address is included within the SPF record for the domain, then the check is passed. If it does not, the email fails and might be rejected as spam or bounced back.
Prevents Spoofing: SPF assists in avoiding the situation where an e-mail sender pretends to be coming from a certain organization or domain, thus protecting against phishing and spam.
Authentication: SPF integrates one more level of confirmation – the sender’s mail server, checking that messages arrive from permissible sources.
Easy to Implement: SPF record entails creating a new record in the DNS zone file using the TXT record, which is easy to configure through the registrar.
Improves Email Deliverability: If your emails pass the SPF check then there are high chances that the recipient will receive the message in their mailbox and not in the spam mailbox.
Works with Other Protocols: SPF is used with techniques like the DMARC and DKIM, which act as even more powerful security measures in email authentication.
Enhanced Email Security: SPF records help to maintain a reputation and do not let unauthorized senders use the corresponding domain to perform phishing emails to clients.
Reduces Spam and Phishing: SPF aids in minimizing the possibility of fraudsters using your domain and thus white-listing your recipients against receiving such emails.
Better Deliverability: The benefits of such communications are that when an email passes the SPF checks, it is most likely that it will reach the intended inbox.
Compliance: SPF record is commonly used as a part of email security guidelines and is usually a prerequisite for some regulations or specific email providers.
Easily integrate EngageBay with the tools you already love.
One platform for all your Marketing, Sales, and Support teams.
