Cybersecurity definition
What is DMARC, DKIM & SPF?
By Cyber Tool Stack Editorial TeamUpdated
Definition
Three DNS-based email authentication standards that work together to stop domain spoofing: SPF lists which mail servers may send for a domain, DKIM cryptographically signs outgoing messages, and DMARC tells receiving mail servers what to do when a message fails those checks and reports the results back to the domain owner.
Where DMARC, DKIM & SPF fits in the security landscape
These beginner lessons use this term while explaining the surrounding security control.
Related cybersecurity terms
BECBusiness Email CompromiseA scam where an attacker impersonates an executive, vendor, or trusted contact — often via a compromised or look-alike account — to trick an employee into wiring money or sharing sensitive data, typically without any malware or malicious link involved.PhishingA social-engineering attack that tricks someone into clicking a malicious link, entering credentials on a fake page, or running an attached file.