In the digital world, email is a mainstay of professional and personal communication. However, as cybercrimes continue to rise, email security has been thrust into the spotlight. Consider that over 75% of targeted cyberattacks begin with an email and 48% of emails sent in 2022 were spam.
In a bid to bolster email security, Gmail has now begun to reject unauthorized emails. If a sender attempts to contact Gmail subscribers with an unauthenticated email, they’re likely to see a 550-5.7.26 error message telling them that their mail has been blocked on security grounds.
Source: badsender
In short, Gmail now mandates email authentication on its platform using either Sender Policy Framework (SPF) or DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM).
Table of Contents
SPF – Sender Policy Framework
Imagine SPF as a security checkpoint for your emails. In the virtual realm, SPF acts as a bouncer at the entrance, verifying the authenticity of the sender. It’s like a guest list for an exclusive party; if your email address isn’t on the list, it won’t get past the gate.
DKIM – DomainKeys Identified Mail
DKIM takes email security a step further. It’s akin to a digital signature for your emails. Envision DKIM as sealing your message with a unique, tamper-proof wax stamp. When the recipient receives your email, they can verify the stamp to ensure it hasn’t been altered during transit. It’s uniquely generated per service and per account.
DMARC – Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance
In the realm of Gmail email authentication, SPF and DKIM function as the means to establish a whitelist, akin to a meticulously curated guest list for an exclusive club. They dictate which services are permitted to use your domain, setting the stage for a secure and controlled communication environment. DMARC, in turn, serves as the vigilant enforcer of this whitelist—an email security bouncer for the exclusive club. If an entity isn’t on the guest list, it’s unequivocally denied entry. Gmail may be rejecting those emails.
The analogy holds significance when transitioning between sites or platforms, where the dynamics of services may change. Whether driven by cost considerations, the pursuit of superior functionalities, or personal preferences, the transition necessitates a recalibration of the whitelist to ensure the continued integrity and security of email communications. This strategic approach aligns with the core tenets of email security, learning how to authenticate an email in Gmail and ensuring that only authenticated and authorized entities gain access to your digital domain.
But, once DMARC is added, Gmail will be enforcing a policy to automatically reject emails or send to spam anything else that is not in the SPF or DKIM.
The Benefits of Implementing These Protocols
DMARC is the most effective way to protect yourself from spoofing.
DMARC stands out as the definitive shield against email spoofing, a fact worth emphasizing repeatedly. In 2024, Google and Yahoo are making DNS email authentication a #1 requirement for bulk senders. So, you have to do it. The impact is tangible; a case in point is the HMRC, which reported a staggering 500 million reduction in phishing emails from their domain within a mere 1.5 years of DMARC implementation. This statistic alone should serve as a compelling rationale for prioritizing DMARC in your next sprint.
Beyond this, two notable benefits further advocate for its adoption. Firstly, cybercriminals are notably deterred from attempting domain spoofing if they see (properly configured) DMARC records in the domain’s DNS. Given the relatively limited prevalence of DMARC implementation, it presents a formidable barrier that discourages malicious efforts. Secondly, receiving servers accord higher legitimacy to emails originating from DMARC-secured domains compared to those relying solely on alternative authentication methods or lacking security altogether. In a landscape where email security is paramount, these advantages underscore the critical role that DMARC plays in fortifying your digital communication channels.
Understanding Email Authentication
Gmail authentication is key to ensuring that email communications are secure and verified. Both SPF and DKIM are an essential part of this process.
SPF lets you define which hosts are authorized to send emails from your domain, preventing spammers from sending illicit emails. DKIM is an authentication standard using cryptographic signatures that verify the authenticity of an email. Using this technology, Gmail can effectively distinguish between authentic and spam emails.
Email senders will now have to be authenticated by either one (preferably both) of these two standards. If emails are unauthenticated, Gmail will immediately reject delivery to the email recipient.
Impact on Email Senders
While Gmail’s new email authentication policies are meant to keep out unverified emails, it’s also a wake-up call for legitimate senders who may need to adjust their practices to comply with the changes. This includes agencies and individuals that provide email marketing services and have to facilitate bulk email campaigns.
Here are some of the common issues that may result in Gmail rejecting your emails:
- Misconfiguration of DKIM and SPF records
Incorrectly setting up your DKIM and SPF records is a fairly common reason for email authentication failure.
For example, if you forget to list one of the mechanisms you use via your routings, such as IP4, IP6, mx, a, or any other, anti-spam filters may refuse your emails. This is especially true if you’ve set your SPF to “strict mode.”
- Improper DNS Configuration
Faulty Domain Name System (DNS) configuration is another reason Gmail may be rejecting your emails.
DNS helps identify machines and resources on the internet or internet protocol networks. If the DNS is not consistent with the DKIM public key, the host won’t be able to authenticate DKIM-verified emails.
- Email Forwarding and Relaying
If Gmail emails are forwarded or relayed through other servers that are unauthenticated, they may get rejected or blocked. As a company, you should take steps to ensure emails pass through only verified servers.
Can You DIY It?
While it may be tempting to handle everything on your own, implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC can be complex. DIY attempts, especially in managing DNS configurations, may lead to unintended consequences, potentially disrupting your services. It’s advisable to leave this intricate work to professionals who can navigate the complexities without compromising your online presence.
Key Takeaway
Gmail rejecting emails is a proactive step taken by Google to minimize incidents of phishing, spam, and other malicious activity to provide a safer experience for all email users. If you haven’t begun your Gmail authentication, it is highly recommended you authenticate your emails now. It ensures your messages are delivered to the recipients and helps protect your sender reputation.
Speak to an Email Marketing Expert to Securely Grow Your Business
As businesses transition between platforms or sites, ensuring the continuity of email security measures is paramount. Coalition Technologies is one of the world’s leading digital agencies. We have a proven track record of excellence when it comes to helping our clients accelerate growth within a robust security architecture.
Partner with Coalition to seamlessly implement and manage SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols, ensure email compliance, and level up your marketing efforts. We handle this setup for clients who collaborate with us on email marketing and individually for clients in a one-off scope of work. Strengthening your email security is an investment in the reliability and trustworthiness of your communication channels. Schedule a free consultation if you’re interested in speaking with us about Gmail authentication further, reach out for an email configuration audit, and browse through some of our work and customer reviews.
