As email is frequently the main method of communication and the major vector for phishing and other malicious attacks, email security is a top priority for organisations of all kinds. Businesses must combine technology and best practises, such as domain verification, to guarantee email security. One such method is external domain verification, which is a potent instrument for decreasing the probability of email security concerns.
“External domain verification is the cornerstone of email security, helping to prevent phishing and other malicious attacks by verifying the authenticity of email senders.”
In this blog, we will explore the concept of external domain verification and how it works.
What is External Domain Verification?
The process of external domain verification involves confirming the legitimacy of an email sender’s domain. Making sure that emails are not sent via fake or spoofed domains is a crucial component of email security that aids in the prevention of phishing and other dangerous assaults.
In order to verify an email, the sender’s domain must be compared to a preset set of criteria that has been established by the domain owner. These rules specify the kind of emails that may be sent from the domain, who is authorised to send them, and the requirements for email signatures and verification.
How does External Domain Verification Work?
External domain verification is typically accomplished through the use of two email security protocols: Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and Domain-Keys Identified Mail (DKIM).
- Sender Policy Framework (SPF).
SPF is a simple and straightforward email authentication protocol that helps to prevent email spoofing by verifying that an incoming email was sent from an IP address authorized by the domain owner. SPF works by creating a DNS record that lists all the IP addresses that are authorized to send email on behalf of the domain. When an incoming email is received, the recipient’s email server checks the SPF record to ensure that the IP address of the sender is on the list. If the IP address is not on the list, the email is considered to be from an unauthorized source and may be rejected or flagged as spam.
- Domain-Keys Identified Mail (DKIM).
DKIM is a more advanced email authentication protocol that provides an additional layer of protection against email spoofing and phishing. DKIM works by adding a digital signature to the header of an email, which is used to verify the authenticity of the sender and the integrity of the email content. The recipient’s email server uses a public key provided by the domain owner to verify the signature and ensure that the email has not been tampered with in transit.
Benefits of External Domain Verification.
External domain verification provides a number of benefits to businesses, including:
- Increased Email Security.
By using external domain verification, businesses can increase the security of their email and reduce the risk of phishing and other malicious attacks. The SPF and DKIM protocols help to ensure that emails are sent from authorized sources and that they have not been tampered with in transit.
- Improved Brand Protection.
External domain verification also helps to protect a business’s brand and reputation by ensuring that emails sent from the domain are genuine and trustworthy. This helps to prevent phishing attacks that could compromise the security of the business and its customers, as well as damage the business’s reputation.
- Increased Deliverability.
By verifying the authenticity of email senders, external domain verification can also help to increase the deliverability of emails. This is because email servers are more likely to trust and deliver emails that are sent from verified domains.
- Eased Email Management.
External domain verification also makes it easier for businesses to manage their email, as they can set rules and guidelines for who is authorized to send emails on behalf of the domain, and what type of emails are allowed. This
can help to reduce the risk of spam and unwanted emails, making it easier to manage and prioritize important emails.
External domain verification is a critical aspect of email security that helps to prevent phishing and other malicious attacks by verifying the authenticity of an email sender’s domain. By using the SPF and DKIM protocols, businesses can increase the security of their email, protect their brand and reputation, increase email deliverability, and ease email management.
By adding SPF and DKIM entries to a company’s DNS, external domain verification may be implemented in a simple and uncomplicated manner. It’s simple to manage and update this data as needed, making it a scalable and adaptable solution for companies of all sizes.
In sum up, external domain verification is a necessary step for businesses looking to improve their email security and protect their brand and customers from email threats. By taking advantage of the benefits of external domain verification, businesses can ensure that their email is secure, and their brand is protected.