DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) is a way to protect email domains from spoofing. It works together with DKIM and SPF. It’s a widely used email security standard that helps companies prevent abuse of their domain and gives receiving mail servers clear rules for handling suspicious messages. It helps reduce fraudulent and phishing emails.
What does DMARC mean for everyday users (email recipients)?
- DMARC tells receiving mail servers what to do if an email fails SPF and/or DKIM checks (for example, reject, flag, or quarantine the message).
- Like SPF and DKIM, even if an email passes DMARC, it doesn’t guarantee the message is safe—always stay cautious.
- It helps cut down the number of fraudulent and phishing emails that reach your inbox.
- DMARC also lets senders get reports that show how their emails are authenticated and whether anyone is trying to misuse their domain.
What does DMARC mean for businesses and IT admins (protecting the sender’s domain)?
- DMARC is set up in DNS and works alongside SPF and DKIM.
- It lets you define exactly how recipients should handle messages that fail authentication (for example, reject or quarantine).
- It improves your domain reputation and protects against spoofing, because fraudulent emails are blocked or clearly flagged.
- With DMARC, recipients get clear handling rules for email from your domain, and you gain visibility into potential attacks on your domain through DMARC reports.