Generate SPF for Zimbra

SPF Configuration for Zimbra: Prevent Email Spoofing & Improve Deliverability

Why is SPF Important for Zimbra?

Email authentication plays a critical role in preventing phishing attacks, email spoofing, and spam. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) allows domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails on their behalf.

When an email is received, the recipient’s email server checks the SPF record in DNS to verify if the sending server is legitimate. If the sending IP is not listed in the SPF record, the email may be marked as spam or rejected.

Setting up SPF for Zimbra Mail Server ensures that emails sent from your domain are authenticated and trusted, improving deliverability and security.

How to Create an SPF Record for Zimbra?

Step 1: Identify Your Zimbra Mail Server IP Address

Before configuring SPF, you need to determine your Zimbra server’s public IP address.

🔹 Find Zimbra’s public IP address using:

• Your hosting provider’s control panel
• Running this command on the Zimbra server: curl ifconfig.me
• Checking your mail logs or Zimbra Admin Panel

Once you have your Zimbra mail server’s IP, you can proceed to configure SPF.

Step 2: Create Your SPF Record

To authorize your Zimbra server for sending emails, you need to add a TXT record to your domain’s DNS settings.

Basic SPF Record for a Single Zimbra Server:

If you have one Zimbra mail server with an IP address x.x.x.x, your SPF record should look like this:

v=spf1 ip4:x.x.x.x -all

SPF Record for Multiple Zimbra Servers:

If you have multiple Zimbra mail servers, include them in the SPF record:

v=spf1 ip4:x.x.x.x ip4:y.y.y.y -all

SPF Record with Third-Party Email Services (Google, Microsoft, etc.)

If your domain also sends emails through services like Gmail, Outlook, or Mailchimp, include their SPF mechanisms:

v=spf1 ip4:x.x.x.x include:_spf.google.com include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all

Step 3: Add the SPF Record to Your DNS

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s DNS management panel (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, AWS, Namecheap).
2. Go to the DNS Records section and click Add New Record.
3. Choose the record type as: TXT
4. Enter the SPF record details:

Type: TXT

Host/Name: @ (or yourdomain.com)

Value: v=spf1 ip4:x.x.x.x -all

TTL: Set it to 1 hour (or default).

Save the record and wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.

Step 4: Verify SPF Setup

After updating your DNS records, test your SPF configuration using online tools:

• ✅ MXToolbox SPF Checker
• ✅ Google Admin Toolbox
• ✅ DMARC Analyzer SPF Record Check

Troubleshooting SPF Issues in Zimbra

🚨 SPF Record Not Found?

• ✔️ Wait at least 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate.
• ✔️ Ensure your SPF record is correctly added under TXT records in DNS.
• ✔️ Check for typos or missing elements in the SPF syntax.

Enhancing Email Security: Enable DKIM & DMARC for Zimbra

While SPF is a strong first layer of security, it alone is not enough to fully prevent email spoofing. You should also configure:

1️⃣ DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM digitally signs your emails to verify they are authentic and untampered.

To enable DKIM for Zimbra, run:

/opt/zimbra/libexec/zmdkimkeyutil

Publish the generated public key in your DNS as a TXT record.

2️⃣ DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)

DMARC prevents phishing and impersonation by enforcing SPF & DKIM policies.

To enable DMARC, add this TXT record to your DNS:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]

Conclusion

By setting up SPF for Zimbra, you enhance email security, prevent spoofing, and improve email deliverability. However, for full protection, implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC together.

🔹 Need Help?

• ✅ Check Your DNS Records Here
• ✅ Secure Your Email with DMARC

Start protecting your emails today and ensure your business communications remain safe!