SPF DKIM DMARC
SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) are email authentication protocols used to prevent email spoofing and phishing. SPF verifies that emails come from authorized servers, DKIM adds a digital signature to verify message integrity, and DMARC builds on both to provide policies and reporting for handling unauthenticated emails. Together, they enhance email security by ensuring senders are legitimate and messages are not tampered with.
Developers should learn and implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC when building or maintaining email systems, especially for applications that send transactional emails (e.g., password resets, notifications) or marketing campaigns to improve deliverability and security. They are essential for compliance with email standards, reducing spam, and protecting against phishing attacks, which is critical for businesses relying on email communication.