The process for implementing SPF (and DKIM) is not specific to MessageMedia technology, as it applies to your email server as opposed to your MessageMedia account. It involves providing specific information relating to your email provider's SPF and DKIM settings to your DNS (Domain Name System) provider.
What is SPF and DKIM?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail), and also DMARC (Domain Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance), are authentication technologies, that work a bit like passwords. They make sure that emails sent over the internet claiming to come from a particular entity actually do come from that entity. Without these technologies, hackers could send emails claiming to be someone else and it would be difficult to tell whether or not they are SPAM.
If you do not have SPF set up for your email server, then you run the risk of allowing hackers to impersonate you to your customers and other contacts, exposing them to threats such as malware, scams, phishing, and identity theft. Not only will this hurt them, but it can also serious implications on the level of trust in their relationship with you. When it comes to Email to SMS, if hackers are able to impersonate your organisation to use this feature, we are entitled to, and may charge you, for such SMS sent through your account.
How to set up SPF on your email server
- Firstly, you should contact your email provider and request the SPF and DKIM settings. These should include a DNS/IP address for your mail server, as well as a DKIM key
- Pass this information on to your DNS provider and ask them to set up a "TXT" record to enable SPF, DKIM, and then DMARC.
- Your email provider may provide instructions to you on how to set up the TXT record, which you can pass on to your DNS provider