Adapting to Required Google and Yahoo Email Authentication Standards in 2024

  • Monday, 8th January, 2024
  • 15:30pm

We would like to inform you of important upcoming changes announced by Google and Yahoo that will impact email deliverability. Starting from February 1, 2024, new requirements for sending emails to Gmail and Yahoo users will be enforced. These changes are aimed at enhancing email security and reducing spam.

Key Requirements:

1. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) Records: All senders to Gmail and Yahoo users must authenticate their emails by adding DNS SPF records for every domain used to send emails. This step is crucial for verifying the sender's identity and preventing email spoofing. 

Sample: yourdomain.com    IN     TXT    v=spf1 a mx include:ephost.com ~all

2. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) Records: It is now mandatory to have DKIM records in place for every domain used for sending emails to Gmail and Yahoo users. This ensures the integrity and authenticity of the email content. 

Sample: selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com    IN    TXT      "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; h=sha256; p=MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCg"  [truncated for example]

3. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) Policy: Implementing a DMARC policy for your domains is an important step in authenticating your emails. This policy helps in protecting against direct domain impersonation and provides for improved deliverability. The initial step is to set up a DMARC record with a policy of "none," gradually moving towards a policy of "reject" for full protection. 

Sample: _dmarc.yourdomain.com    IN     TXT    "v=DMARC1; p=none"

Who is Impacted?

You. These requirements apply to all organizations sending emails to Gmail and Yahoo users. This includes both high-volume and general mail senders.

What Should You Do?

Review and ensure your email systems are compliant with these requirements. This includes setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC DNS records. It's important to take these steps as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in email deliverability.

  1. Use the following tool to determine if you have SPF and DMARC enabled: Domain Analyzer 
  2. Read: Enabling MX, SPF, and DKIM DNS Records 

For more detailed information and guidance, please refer to the following resources:

We understand that these changes may require some adjustments in your current DNS setup. Our team is ready to assist you in ensuring compliance with these new requirements. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support or further clarification.

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