What are DKIM records, and why are they important?

Sadly, in our digital world, spammers and con artists target individuals and organizations via email by attempting to trick them into revealing private, confidential, or financial details that they will use for illegal purposes. 

It is important to explain the use of DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and how this online security tool is essential for reducing the risks of online threats and providing email security.

What is DKIM?

DKIM is an email authentication tool that is available to everyone. It uses back-end codes to validate the authenticity of an email account, reassuring the recipient of its integrity and enhancing security measures. 

How does DKIM work?

We can briefly explain how DKIM works by imagining email users having two digital keys: one public and one private. A public key encrypts a message, and a private key, held only by the recipient, decrypts it. One key opens the main door, and the other scans the virtual security door. In the digital world, this is called public key cryptography.

DKIM ensures these keys ‘match’ by analyzing and confirming specific encrypted data and verifying them as safe. Together, these two keys unlock one larger digital door – the gateway to their email inbox!

This type of encryption helps protect sensitive or confidential information from reaching the wrong email user, especially when it travels from a sender to a recipient.

How can DKIM improve email deliverability?

Firstly, to clarify any confusion, the definition of a digital signature in the tech world differs from a digital signature we are used to seeing at the end of main body email content. According to Google Cloud, “a digital signature is a cryptographic output used to verify the authenticity of data.” 

Now that we have that covered, have you ever wondered how to add credibility to your emails to prevent them from hitting the junk or spam folder? Say hello to DKIM!

DKIM is excellent for warding off scammers, but you also want to ensure that your legitimate emails don’t fall into the junk folder of your intended recipient. This is where the digital signature plays an important role.

The following points outline how DKIM improves email deliverability.

1. Authentication and Trust

• DKIM attaches a digital signature to the headers of outgoing emails, enabling email header validation to ensure the message’s authenticity.
• Receiving mail servers validate this signature by checking it against a public key published in your domain’s DNS TXT record.
• If the signature matches, the email is authenticated, building trust with recipient servers.

2. Spam and Phishing Protection

• Email servers are more likely to flag unauthenticated messages as spam or phishing (fraudulent attempts to imitate legitimate businesses, including using near-lookalike company logos.)
• DKIM helps promote anti-spoofing by ensuring that emails sent on behalf of your domain are legitimate and provide mail server security.

3. Reputation Boost

• Consistent domain authentication builds trust and improves your domain’s reputation. Explore AI domain registration to streamline the process and ensure a secure and hassle-free setup.
• A better reputation leads to fewer chances of your email being filtered into spam folders.
• Major email services like Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and Yahoo prioritize DKIM-signed emails. Pair DKIM with a trusted web hosting provider that supports robust email security features to ensure your emails are delivered reliably.
• DKIM integrates with protocols like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to provide a comprehensive email authentication strategy.

5. Improved Email Metrics

• Higher inbox placement means your recipients are likelier to see and engage with your emails and improve email integrity.
• This can also improve open rates, click-through rates, and overall campaign effectiveness.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is a powerful tool that helps improve email deliverability by enhancing the trust and credibility of your emails.

Need help setting DMIK up for your emails? Contact Help.com today.

FAQ’s

What are DKIM Records?

Like DKIM, DKIM records are security standards that help detect whether original messages have been tampered with, which raises a red flag regarding their legitimacy.

DKIM records help protect users from unwanted email spam and reduce phishing risks. Phishing is when spammers recreate a fake website to trick the end user into entering credit card details or divulging private information that will then be used for fraudulent purposes.

What is the difference between DKIM, SPF, and DMARC?

DKIM records are DNS (Domain Name System) records that help verify the authenticity of an email message and ensure it has not been altered in transit. 

DKIM is part of the email authentication process, including SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance).

How do you set up DKIM records in your DNS

• To set up DKIM records in your DNS, you need a public and private key pair to sign emails. 
• If you use an email service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, they often generate the keys. 
• If you’re running your mail server, use tools like OpenSSL to generate the keys.
• If you manage your DNS through a domain registrar like Help.com, our support team can guide you through adding DKIM records. Too easy!

Can a domain have multiple DKIM records?

A domain can have multiple DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records. Each DKIM record is associated with a unique selector, which allows mail servers to distinguish between different DKIM keys. Here’s how it works:

• Key Rotation: Organizations often rotate DKIM keys periodically for security reasons. Having multiple records allows a smooth transition between keys.
• Different Services: If a domain uses multiple email services (e.g., G Suite, Mailchimp, and Outlook), each service may require its own DKIM key.
• Testing and Migration: Multiple DKIM records can ensure uninterrupted mail flow during testing or migrating to a new email provider.

An advantage of adding DKIM to your DNS records is that it validates your email, ensuring better visibility of your brand and message. It also helps prevent email spoofing, phishing, and unwilling engagement with untrustworthy and fraudulent users.