SPF

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication protocol that allows domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of their domain. It works by publishing DNS TXT records that list approved IP addresses, helping prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks by enabling receiving mail servers to verify the sender's legitimacy.

Also known as: Sender Policy Framework, SPF Record, SPF Only, SPF Authentication, SPF TXT Record

Why learn SPF?

Developers should learn SPF when working with email systems, domain management, or cybersecurity to protect against email fraud and improve deliverability. It's essential for configuring email servers, implementing DMARC policies, and ensuring compliance with anti-spam measures in applications that send transactional or marketing emails.

Learning Resources

• docs: SPF Record Syntax - RFC 7208
• tutorial: SPF Overview - Cloudflare
• course: Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM, DMARC - Coursera
• tool: SPF Record Generator - MXToolbox
• video: SPF Explained - YouTube