As email-based threats continue to rise, leading providers like Google, Yahoo, and now Microsoft are tightening their rules around email authentication to protect users. If your business sends emails in bulk, these changes will directly affect your deliverability, and failing to act now could result in your emails being blocked entirely.
What’s Happening?
- February 2024: Google and Yahoo began enforcing new requirements for bulk senders. Emails must pass SPF, DKIM, and have a DMARC policy in DNS.
- May 2025: Microsoft joined with similar enforcement for consumer domains like outlook.com, hotmail.com, and live.com. Starting May 5, 2025, non-compliant emails will be rejected.
- Upcoming: Other providers are expected to follow, so proactive compliance is essential even if you’re not currently affected.
What Is DMARC?
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is an email authentication protocol designed to combat phishing and spoofing. It builds on SPF and DKIM to provide domain owners control over who can send on their behalf, and how to handle unauthorised attempts.
Without a DMARC policy in place, your legitimate emails may end up being marked as suspicious or blocked entirely.
Key Requirements for Compliance
If your organisation sends 5,000+ emails per day, the following must be in place:
- DMARC Policy Published in DNS
Even a monitoring-only policy (p=none) is now a requirement. - SPF and DKIM Authentication
Your email must pass alignment checks using either SPF or DKIM (preferably both). - Valid PTR Records (Reverse DNS)
Your sending servers must have correctly configured reverse DNS entries. - One-Click Unsubscribe for Marketing Emails
By June 2024, emails must contain a one-click unsubscribe mechanism that is honoured within 2 days. - Low Spam Complaint Rates
Gmail requires senders to keep complaint rates under 0.3%. Regular monitoring of your domain reputation is critical.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Implementing DMARC not only ensures compliance but also improves:
- Email Deliverability
Your messages are more likely to land in inboxes, not spam folders. - Brand Protection
Prevent spoofing attacks that use your domain. - Customer Trust
Reinforce that your organisation takes cybersecurity seriously.
How Carden IT Services Can Help
Navigating DNS records and email authentication protocols can be complex, especially if you use third-party marketing platforms like Mailchimp or SendGrid. At Carden IT Services, we work with businesses of all sizes to:
- Audit your current email authentication setup
- Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC correctly
- Monitor compliance and troubleshoot delivery issues
- Prevent spoofing and improve security posture
Need help ensuring your emails are compliant?
Get in touch with our expert team today—we’ll make sure your communications stay secure, professional, and delivered.
