What is DKIM?
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an
email authentication method designed to detect forged sender addresses in emails. It allows the receiving email server to check that an email claimed to have come from a specific domain was indeed authorized by the owner of that domain.
How Does DKIM Work?
DKIM works by adding a digital signature to the email header. This signature is generated using a private key that only the domain owner has access to. The receiving server can then use the public key, published in the domain's
DNS records, to verify the signature.
Steps to Verify DKIM Record
Verifying your DKIM record involves several steps: Generate a DKIM key pair (public and private keys).
Publish the public key in your domain's DNS records.
Configure your email server to sign outgoing emails with the private key.
Send a test email to a service that checks DKIM (e.g.,
MailTester). This service will provide a report on whether your DKIM is correctly set up.
Common Issues with DKIM
While setting up DKIM is straightforward, you may encounter some common issues: Incorrect DNS settings: Ensure the DKIM record is correctly added to your DNS. A typo in the record can result in verification failure.
Key length: Some older DNS providers may not support long DKIM keys. Ensure your provider supports at least 2048-bit keys.
Multiple DKIM selectors: If you have multiple email services, each might require its own DKIM selector. Ensure all selectors are correctly set up.
DKIM Validator: This tool allows you to send a test email and get a detailed report on your DKIM setup.
MXToolbox: Another reliable tool to check your DKIM record and other email authentication methods like
SPF and
DMARC.
Check your email headers: Most email clients allow you to view the email headers. Look for the "DKIM-Signature" header to ensure it is present and correctly formatted.
Conclusion
Verifying your DKIM record is a critical step in ensuring the success of your
email marketing campaigns. By properly setting up and verifying DKIM, you not only improve your email deliverability but also protect your brand from phishing and email spoofing attacks.