How to Add DMARC Records in GoDaddy DNS

Introduction to DMARC Records

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) is an essential email authentication protocol that helps organizations protect their domain from phishing, spoofing, and email fraud. By implementing DMARC, domain owners can specify how email providers should handle messages that fail authentication checks.

GoDaddy is one of the most popular domain registrars, and adding a DMARC record to your domain’s DNS settings on GoDaddy is a crucial step in securing your email domain. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of adding a DMARC record in GoDaddy DNS.

Why DMARC is Important

1. Prevents Email Spoofing: DMARC helps prevent unauthorized senders from using your domain for malicious activities.
2. Improves Email Deliverability: A properly configured DMARC policy ensures your legitimate emails reach the inbox.
3. Provides Reporting Insights: DMARC generates reports that help you monitor email authentication status and detect any unauthorized email activity.
4. Enhances Brand Trust: Customers and partners can trust emails originating from your domain when DMARC is implemented.
5. Compliance with Email Security Standards: Many organizations and email providers require DMARC implementation to meet security and regulatory requirements.

Understanding DMARC in Detail

DMARC builds on two existing email authentication protocols: SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). To understand DMARC fully, let’s briefly explore how these protocols work:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework): This allows domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails on their behalf. It prevents spammers from forging sender addresses.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): This protocol ensures that emails have not been tampered with in transit by adding a cryptographic signature.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): DMARC uses both SPF and DKIM to determine whether an email is authentic. It also provides reporting capabilities to monitor domain abuse.

By configuring DMARC, organizations can reduce phishing attacks, prevent email fraud, and improve overall email security.

Steps to Add a DMARC Record in GoDaddy DNS

Step 1: Log in to Your GoDaddy Account

1. Go to GoDaddy’s Website.
2. Click on Sign In and enter your credentials.
3. Navigate to the My Products section.

Step 2: Access the DNS Management Section

1. Find the domain for which you want to add a DMARC record.
2. Click DNS to open the DNS Management page.

Step 3: Add a DMARC TXT Record

1. Scroll down to the Records section.
2. Click Add to create a new record.
3. Select TXT as the record type.
4. Enter the following details:
   • Host: _dmarc
   • TXT Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]; fo=1;
   • TTL (Time to Live): Set to 1 Hour or Default.
5. Click Save to apply the changes.

Step 4: Verify Your DMARC Record

After adding the DMARC record, it may take some time for DNS propagation. You can verify your DMARC record using online tools such as:

• GoDMARC’s DMARC Record Checker
• MXToolBox DMARC Checker

Understanding DMARC Policies

• p=none: Monitors email traffic without affecting deliverability.
• p=quarantine: Moves unverified emails to spam or quarantine folders.
• p=reject: Blocks unauthorized emails completely.

Choosing the Right DMARC Policy

1. Starting with “none” (p=none): This policy is useful for monitoring without affecting email deliverability. It allows you to analyze DMARC reports before enforcing stricter policies.
2. Moving to “quarantine” (p=quarantine): This policy directs unauthorized emails to spam or quarantine folders. It helps prevent phishing while allowing you to review unauthorized messages.
3. Enforcing “reject” (p=reject): This is the strictest policy and blocks unauthorized emails completely. Only legitimate emails pass authentication.

Best Practices for DMARC Implementation

1. Start with a “none” policy to monitor email flows without affecting delivery.
2. Analyze DMARC reports regularly to detect unauthorized email activities.
3. Gradually move to “quarantine” and then “reject” to enforce stricter policies.
4. Use a DMARC Record Checker to ensure correct configuration and detect errors.
5. Ensure SPF and DKIM records are configured correctly before implementing DMARC.
6. Regularly update your DNS records to align with changes in email services and infrastructure.

Advanced DMARC Configurations

Setting Up Aggregate and Forensic Reporting

DMARC reports provide valuable insights into email authentication performance. There are two types of reports:

1. Aggregate Reports (RUA): These provide summarized data on email authentication status, showing which emails passed or failed.
2. Forensic Reports (RUF): These provide detailed data on individual failed authentication attempts, helping detect security threats.

To enable DMARC reports, ensure that the rua and ruf tags in your DMARC record contain valid email addresses where reports will be sent.

Implementing BIMI with DMARC

Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) is a protocol that enhances DMARC by displaying a brand’s logo in the recipient’s inbox. To enable BIMI, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your DMARC policy is set to p=quarantine or p=reject.
2. Obtain an SVG logo and host it on a secure server.
3. Add a BIMI record in your DNS.
4. Test BIMI implementation using a BIMI inspector tool.

Troubleshooting DMARC Issues

Common Errors and Fixes

1. Incorrect TXT Record Formatting: Ensure your DMARC record follows the correct syntax.
2. Delayed DNS Propagation: Wait for up to 24 hours for DNS changes to take effect.
3. Missing SPF or DKIM Records: Configure SPF and DKIM records before implementing DMARC.
4. Using Multiple DMARC Records: A domain should have only one DMARC record.
5. Email Service Provider Conflicts: Check if your ESP supports DMARC implementation.

Using DMARC Analytics Tools

To maintain an effective DMARC setup, regularly monitor your domain using a DMARC Record Checker. These tools help identify potential configuration issues and ensure compliance with email security best practices.

Conclusion

Adding a DMARC record in GoDaddy DNS is a crucial step in securing your domain and improving email authentication. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using tools like a DMARC Record Checker, you can ensure a properly configured DMARC policy. Implement DMARC gradually, analyze reports, and strengthen your domain security over time. For continuous monitoring, regularly check your DMARC setup with a DMARC Record Checker to maintain compliance and protection.

By implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC together, your domain gains a strong defense against cyber threats. Take proactive steps to safeguard your email domain today!