This article provides a step-by-step guide to using PowerDMARC’s Hosted DMARC feature.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that builds upon existing SPF and DKIM mechanisms. In simple terms, DMARC verifies whether either SPF or DKIM authentication passes. If at least one of these checks is successful and properly aligned, the email is considered DMARC-compliant. However, if both SPF and DKIM fail, the message results in a DMARC failure, and the configured policy (such as quarantine or reject) may be applied.
Traditionally, setting up DMARC requires creating and publishing a DNS TXT record. Any updates to DMARC policies or configurations involve accessing your DNS, manually editing the record, and saving the changes. This process can become time-consuming and complex, especially for organizations managing multiple domains across different DNS providers.
This is where Hosted DMARC comes in—simplifying DMARC record management and policy enforcement by eliminating the need for constant manual DNS updates. It enables organizations to manage their DMARC configurations more efficiently, all from a centralized platform.
Steps to Set Up Hosted DMARC
Hosted DMARC allows you to host, manage, edit, and apply any changes to your DMARC record directly from the PowerDMARC portal.
To get started, delete your existing DMARC DNS TXT record should there be any.
On the PowerDMARC portal, go to Hosted Services > Hosted DMARC
Click on + Add Domain to add register your domain, if you haven’t already done so and choose the target domain from the dropdown.
Note: Once the domain is added, Hosted DMARC will automatically check for any existing DMARC configuration published in your DNS. If a record is found, the platform will retrieve and reflect the current settings within the Hosted DMARC interface. You are advised to review these DMARC configurations before proceeding further.
After reviewing the configuration, click on the DNS Setup option on the top right corner of the page. This will redirect you to the DNS setup section for further configuration.
From this above section, you can copy the CNAME record provided in the “Value” box and publish it on your DNS under hostname: _dmarc
You can manually publish the record on your DNS, or use our Auto DNS Publishing feature to simplify the process.
Once the DNS changes are updated, head back to the Hosted DMARC window. It should now show an “Active” status.
Updating Your DMARC Record and Policies Using Hosted DMARC
Once your Hosted DMARC feature is active, you can edit your DMARC policy directly from the portal instead of accessing your DNS whenever you need to make a change.
Click on the policy of your choice in the DMARC Policy section.
You can also select the policy percentage by simply toggling the button to enable “DMARC Policy Percentage”, and then dragging the slider to your preferred value.
As per your requirements, You can make other changes to your DMARC record, like setting up a subdomain policy, adding more Aggregate report emails, enabling Forensic reporting, and changing alignment modes.
Once you've completed this, you can simply click on “Save Record,” and the changes will be automatically implemented in your DMARC setup.
To get started, sign up for a free trial or contact us to learn more about our services.