With email communication reigning in the digital world, email-based attacks are at an all-time high! Gauging the magnitude and the far-reaching impact of these attacks, Google and Yahoo have revamped their email authentication protocols for companies that send more than 5000 emails per day.
While DMARC has been an integral aspect of a robust cybersecurity strategy, it was never a requirement. On Oct 03, 2023, Google and Yahoo issued a statement that mandates the implementation of DMARC policy before February 2024 with an aim to block fraudulent emails and keep spam emails out of your inbox. Encouraging best email practices among organizations, the email providers also laid out some infrastructure and performance benchmarks that they will have to follow in 2024.
Wondering how these policies will impact your email practices? In this article, we’ll take you through the crucial aspects of the announcement and how it can impact your organization.
Key Takeaways of the Google and Yahoo Email Policy Update
As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated in their approach, email service providers frequently update their policies to meet the evolving needs and concerns of users. The recent policy updated by the two major email service providers highlights the industry’s effort to create a more secure and user-friendly email ecosystem.
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Here’s what you need to know about the latest announcement if you use Google and Yahoo to send your emails.
Implement SPF and DKIM Protocols
Applicable to all senders, this policy urges organizations to configure their outgoing emails with the primary email authentication standards— Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM). When implemented together, SPF and DKIM can help you fortify your defenses, mitigate the risk of spoofing, establish your domain’s legitimacy, and improve email deliverability.
Configure DMARC
One of the most significant updates of the new policy announced by Google and Yahoo is that senders are now required to configure the Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) records of the domain they use to send bulk emails. What was earlier considered a recommended practice to dodge email spoofing has now become a mandatory standard, regardless of the policy it’s been set to.
That is to say, it is permissible to set your DMARC policy to p=none. While this DMARC policy doesn’t enforce strict email authentication measures, it offers valuable insights comprehensive insights into the email ecosystem of the organization.
Pass DMARC Alignment
According to the new policy update, set to be implemented by the dawn of 2024, emails should now pass DMARC Alignment to prevent unauthorized emails from reaching their receivers’ inboxes. This requirement of your messages passing DMARC Alignment means that the visible “From” address in your email should align with the “From” Header or the DKIM domain.
One-Click Unsubscribe
If your organization sends more than 5000 emails per day, this one’s for you! Google and Yahoo have now instructed commercial senders to allow their receivers to unsubscribe from their emails by including List-Unsubscribe message headers and a clear, one-click “Unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the message. This is done in an effort to ensure a decluttered and spam-free inbox.
Reduced Spam Rate Threshold
In the recent announcement, Google and Yahoo have now specified a spam threshold for bulk senders. The spam limit reported in the Postmaster Tools should be below 0.3%, or else these mail providers might start negatively treating your domain. The aim of this update is to further keep unsolicited and unwanted emails out of the recipients’ inboxes.
The Impact of the New Email Authentication Policy on Your Organization
While both Google and Yahoo have been consistently working towards ensuring healthy email habits among organizations and an optimal email experience for the users, taking these efforts a step ahead was long overdue.
Given the looming dangers of email-based attacks, the new policy update is not aimed at making email marketing more complex than it already is but to offer a safe and reliable environment to their end-users. While these policies will not actively prevent cyberattacks, they will help foster a heightened awareness of email security by familiarizing senders and recipients with what a secure email looks like.
Fortify Your Defences With AutoSPF
With the deadline fast approaching, you have hardly any time to be complacent about implementing this policy. Whether you have DMARC configured for your domain or it is your first time hearing about it, it’s about time you prioritize email authentication to stay compliant with Google and Yahoo’s latest requirements. At AutoSPF, we understand how important it is for your organization to prevent email spoofing and improve email deliverability. You can rely on our team of experts to meet the new requirements and maintain your brand reputation. Contact us today to get started!
