Email authentication is a critical part of modern-day communication, and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is one of the most widely used protocols to authenticate email messages. DKIM works by attaching a digital signature to email messages, which helps to receive mail servers verify that the email message was sent by an authorized sender and that it has not been altered in transit.
One important component of DKIM is the “DKIM Selector” – a string of characters used to identify a specific public key in the DKIM record. According to a report by Valimail, only 15% of domains worldwide have implemented DKIM selector in 2021.
In this blog post, we will explore what DKIM Selector is, why it is important, and how you can find it for your domain.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is DKIM Selector?
DKIM Selector is a string of characters that is used to identify a specific public key in the DKIM record. A DKIM record is a DNS (Domain Name System) record that contains information about the domain’s public key, which is used to verify the authenticity of email messages.
DKIM Selector is a component of the DKIM signature that is added to the email message header. The DKIM Selector is used to identify the public key that was used to create the signature for the email message. This is important because the receiving mail server needs to verify that the public key used to sign the message is valid and belongs to the domain that claimed to send the email.
Why is DKIM Selector important?
DKIM Selector is important because it helps receiving mail servers verify the authenticity of email messages. When a receiving mail server receives an email message, it checks the DKIM signature in the email header to verify that the message was sent by an authorized sender and that it has not been altered in transit.
The DKIM Selector is used to identify the specific public key that was used to sign the message. This ensures that the public key used to sign the message is valid and belongs to the domain that claimed to send the email. Without the DKIM Selector, the receiving mail server would not be able to verify the authenticity of the email message, and it would be more likely to be marked as spam or phishing.
How to Set Up a DKIM Selector for My Domain?
Setting up a DKIM Selector for your domain is an important step in email authentication. But, before that, understand how to find DKIM Selector for My Domain. A DKIM Selector is used to identify the specific public key used to sign email messages, which helps receiving mail servers verify the authenticity of the email messages. Here’s how you can set up a DKIM Selector for your domain:
Step 1: Generate a DKIM key pair
The first step in setting up a DKIM Selector for your domain is to generate a DKIM key pair. This involves creating a public key and a private key that will be used to sign and verify email messages.
There are many online tools available to generate DKIM key pairs. Some popular options include OpenDKIM, EasyDKIM, and DKIMcore. Once you have generated your DKIM key pair, you will need to save the public key in your DNS record.
Step 2: Add a DKIM record to your DNS
The next step in setting up a DKIM Selector for your domain is to add a DKIM record to your DNS. A DKIM record is a type of DNS record that contains information about the public key used to sign email messages.
To add a DKIM record to your DNS, you will need to create a new TXT record with the following format:
selector._domainkey.yourdomain.com
The “selector” in the record is the DKIM Selector – the string of characters that identifies the specific public key used to sign email messages. The “domainkey” in the record is a fixed string that identifies the type of DKIM record.
The value of the DKIM record should be the public key that you generated in Step 1, enclosed in quotes.
Step 3: Publish your DMARC record
The final step in setting up a DKIM Selector for your domain is to publish your DMARC record. A DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) record is a type of DNS record that specifies how email messages from your domain should be authenticated and processed.
To publish your DMARC record, you will need to create a new TXT record with the following format:
_dmarc.yourdomain.com
The value of the DMARC record should contain information about your DMARC policy. This includes the policy mode (none, quarantine, or reject) and any additional email authentication mechanisms that you want to use, such as SPF and DKIM.
Step 4: Test your DKIM Selector
Once you have set up your DKIM Selector, you should test it to ensure that it is working correctly. You can use a DKIM record checker or a DKIM lookup tool to verify that your DKIM Selector is correctly configured and that your email messages are being authenticated.
Setting up a DKIM Selector for your domain is an important step in email authentication. It helps receiving mail servers verify the authenticity of your email messages and improves your email deliverability. By following the steps outlined above, you can set up a DKIM Selector for your domain and ensure that your email messages are properly authenticated.
Summing Up
A DKIM Selector is an essential component of email authentication, as it helps receiving mail servers verify the authenticity of email messages. By setting up a DKIM Selector for your domain, you can improve your email deliverability and reduce the risk of your email messages being flagged as spam or phishing attempts.
To set up a DKIM Selector for your domain, you will need to generate a DKIM key pair, add a DKIM record to your DNS, publish your DMARC authentication, and test your DKIM Selector to ensure that it is working correctly. There are many online tools available to help you with each of these steps, and it is important to follow best practices to ensure that your email messages are properly authenticated.
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FAQ’S
Q1. How do I find the DKIM selector for my domain?
To find the DKIM selector for your domain, you need to access your domain’s DNS records. Look for a TXT record that starts with “default._domainkey” and ends with “v=DKIM1”. The selector is the part before the “._domainkey” segment.
Q2. What if my domain doesn’t have a DKIM selector?
If your domain doesn’t have a DKIM selector, you’ll need to set up DKIM for your domain by generating a new selector and adding the necessary DNS records. Most email service providers and hosting platforms offer guidance on how to set up DKIM for your domain.
Q3. Can I have multiple DKIM selectors for one domain?
Yes, it’s possible to have multiple DKIM selectors for one domain. This can be useful if you have different email systems or providers that need to send email on behalf of your domain.
Q4. Do I need to change my DKIM selector regularly?
No, you don’t need to change your DKIM selector regularly. Once you’ve set it up and added the necessary DNS records, it should remain the same. However, if you suspect that your private key has been compromised, you should generate a new selector and update your DNS records accordingly.
