Postmark SPF, DKIM & DMARC Setup
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Last Updated: 5 min read
Key Takeaways
- Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for Postmark can help you safeguard your domain from advanced email-based threats.
- Postmark emails automatically pass SPF checks, and you can find the DKIM TXT record by logging into your Postmark account.
- Once the records are published on your DNS, verify the records to make sure they are configured correctly.
- PowerDMARC helps you with ongoing monitoring and DMARC enforcement, so you never have to worry about deliverability issues.
Configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for Postmark helps ensure that your emails are properly authenticated and consistently reach your recipients’ inboxes.
But what do these terms really mean? SPF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) attaches a cryptographic signature to each message to confirm it hasn’t been tampered with. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) instructs receiving mail servers on how to handle messages that fail authentication and provides visibility into your email delivery.
When implemented together, these protocols safeguard your brand from phishing and spoofing attacks, strengthen your sender reputation, and improve overall deliverability. Follow this step-by-step guide to configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in Postmark.
Steps to Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in Postmark
Step 1: Set up Postmark SPF Record
As Postmark’s document suggests, you don’t need to create a separate SPF record for Postmark anymore.
Earlier, the recipient’s server used to check the From domain for SPF alignment. Now, the Return-path domain is checked. Since Postmark automatically includes its sending IPs and SPF record in the Return-Path, your messages already pass SPF checks by default, with no extra setup required.
Adding Postmark to an existing SPF Record
As explained above, this is not required. However, for anyone who wishes to include Postmark in their existing SPF record can incorporate the following include mechanism in their TXT record:
include: spf.mtasv.net
Alternatively, here’s the process for CNAME configuration for Postmark SPF:
- Log in to your Postmark account
- Select “Sender Signatures” from the top menu.
- Click on “Add Domain”
- Add your domain to the destination box.
- In the new page, you will find your SPF CNAME record, ready with the Hostname, Type, and Value. Copy this record.
- In your DNS management console, publish the CNAME record in your domain’s advanced settings as a new record, as shown below:
Step 2: Configuring Postmark DKIM Record
- On the same page where you found your SPF CNAME record, you will find your DKIM TXT record, ready with the Hostname, Type, and Value. Copy this record.
- Head over to your DNS management console and add the record to your domain’s advanced DNS settings. We are using Namecheap as an example.
- Save all changes and allow your DNS time to propagate the newly made additions.
- Once you’re done adding your SPF and DKIM DNS records, head over to your Postmark account and verify your configurations. If you get a green verified status, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Create a DMARC Record for Postmark
Finally, it’s time to configure your Postmark DMARC record.
1. Use our DMARC generator tool to create a new DMARC record. You can start with a p=none policy if you are just starting out; however, remember to upgrade to p=quarantine/reject once you are confident with your deliverability.
2. In your DNS provider, create a new TXT record.
3. For the Host or Name of the record, enter _dmarc
4. For the Value, paste your DMARC record, policy, and reporting address
5. Save the TXT record.
Step 4: Verify Your Setup and Monitor with PowerDMARC
For your peace of mind, after DNS propagation, use PowerDMARC’s SPF, DKIM, and DMARC checker tools for instant and accurate validation.
1. First, sign up with PowerDMARC.
2. On the sidebar on the left, navigate to Dashboard > Analysis Tools > PowerToolbox > Lookup Tools.
3. First, let’s check your DKIM record. Click on DKIM Record Lookup.
4. Enter your domain in the field and click Lookup DKIM.
5. Now, time to check the SPF record. Click on SPF Record Lookup.
6. Enter your domain and click on Lookup.
7. Now, let’s check your DMARC record. In the Lookup Tools, click on DMARC Record checker.
8. As a last step, enter your domain in the field and click Lookup.
Congratulations, you’re all set!
When you accurately configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for Postmark, you can:
- Prevent impersonation threats by enforcing your policy
- Improve inbox placement rates and domain reputation
- Monitor your email traffic to troubleshoot deliverability issues faster
If you run into any difficulties during setup or need expert guidance, our team is here to help.
Contact us or schedule a demo with PowerDMARC to see how we can simplify your authentication process, strengthen your email security, and help you achieve flawless deliverability.
Shift Lead, Infrastructure & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC
With over 13 years of experience in Cyber Security, Ayan Bhuiya specializes in Infrastructure, Business Continuity, Risk Management, and Email Security. Currently acting as Shift Lead at PowerDMARC. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Networking and Security and has a proven track record of leading strategic security initiatives to mitigate threats and ensure business resilience.
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