Introduction
Email authentication is a critical component of cybersecurity, ensuring that your email communication is secure and trustworthy. DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is one such email authentication method that helps prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks. If your organization uses SAP SuccessFactors for HR and talent management solutions, setting up DKIM is essential to ensure email security and compliance.
In this blog, we will explore the best ways to configure DKIM for SAP SuccessFactors, covering the setup process, technical details, and best practices.
Understanding DKIM and Its Importance
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication method that allows organizations to digitally sign their outgoing emails. This digital signature is stored in the email header and validated by the receiving mail server. The main benefits of implementing DKIM include:
Prevention of Email Spoofing: Ensures that recipients can verify that an email was sent from an authorized source.
Improved Email Deliverability: Reduces the chances of emails being marked as spam or rejected by mail servers.
Stronger Security and Compliance: Helps businesses meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA.
For organizations using SAP SuccessFactors, configuring DKIM ensures that HR-related emails (e.g., employee communications, job offers, performance reviews) are delivered securely and with authenticity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring DKIM for SAP SuccessFactors
Step 1: Contact SAP Cloud Support
Before setting up DKIM, you need to coordinate with the SAP Cloud Support team to initiate the authentication process. You should raise a support ticket under the component LOD-SF-PLT-SEC and provide the following details:
Datacenter: Specify your SAP SuccessFactors datacenter (e.g., US, EU, APAC).
Business ID: Your unique Business ID assigned to your SAP account.
Email Domains: List all email domains used for sending emails through SAP SuccessFactors.
The SAP Cloud Support team will generate the necessary DKIM records for your domain and provide the details required for configuration.
Step 2: Redirect Emails Through Your SMTP Server (Optional)
SAP SuccessFactors allows organizations to route outgoing emails through their own SMTP server instead of SAP's default email infrastructure. To enable this, you need to provide:
Destination Domain: The domain where emails will be sent.
SMTP Server IP Address and Port: Your mail server details (e.g., SMTP server address, port number).
SMTP Authentication Credentials: Username and password if authentication is required.
This setup ensures that email communications are delivered via your organization's SMTP infrastructure while retaining authentication policies such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Step 3: Publish the DKIM Public Key in Your DNS
3.1 Access Your DNS Management Console
Log in to your domain registrar’s DNS management console. This could be a service like Cloudflare, AWS Route 53, GoDaddy, or any other DNS provider that hosts your domain.
3.2 Create a New DNS Record
SAP SuccessFactors may provide you with either a TXT or CNAME record. Follow these guidelines:
For TXT Record:
Record Type: TXT
Hostname (Selector): Provided by SAP (e.g., sap._domainkey.yourdomain.com)
Value: The DKIM public key string provided by SAP
For CNAME Record:
Record Type: CNAME
Hostname: The selector string provided by SAP
Value: The SAP DKIM CNAME value pointing to their infrastructure
3.3 Save and Apply Changes
Once the records are added, save the changes and allow up to 72 hours for propagation.
Step 4: Verify DKIM Configuration
After publishing the DKIM record, you should verify that it is correctly configured and active. You can use the following methods:
DKIM Lookup Tools: Use online tools like MXToolBox or a DKIM record checker to confirm that the DNS record is published correctly.
SAP SuccessFactors Email Testing: Send a test email from SAP SuccessFactors and check the email headers for the DKIM-Signature field.
DMARC Reports: If you have DMARC set up, monitor your reports for DKIM authentication results.
Step 5: Implement DMARC for Additional Security
While DKIM is crucial, combining it with DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) provides an extra layer of security. DMARC helps prevent phishing and spoofing by enforcing email authentication policies.
To implement DMARC:
Create a TXT record in your DNS with the following values:
Record Type: TXT
Hostname: _dmarc.yourdomain.com
Value: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]
Adjust the policy (p=quarantine) to reject once you verify authentication is working correctly.
Monitor your DMARC reports to track email authentication results and detect any anomalies.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. DKIM Signature Not Found in Emails
Ensure that the DKIM record is correctly published in your DNS.
Verify with SAP Cloud Support if DKIM has been enabled for your domain.
Allow up to 72 hours for DNS propagation.
2. Emails Marked as Spam Even with DKIM Enabled
Check if SPF and DMARC are correctly set up.
Ensure your SMTP server's IP is not blacklisted.
Review email headers to identify spam triggers.
3. CNAME vs. TXT Record Confusion
If SAP provides a CNAME record, do not replace it with a TXT record.
Follow SAP’s exact instructions for DNS record types.
Conclusion
Configuring DKIM for SAP SuccessFactors is a crucial step in securing your email communications and preventing spoofing attacks. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully set up DKIM, verify its implementation, and enhance security with DMARC.
For organizations looking to further strengthen their email security, integrating SPF, DMARC, and monitoring email authentication reports will ensure complete protection against email-based threats.
Have you implemented DKIM for SAP SuccessFactors? Share your experience and best practices in the comments below!