DMARC - From February 2024 your emails to gmail and yahoo could be rejected

Between now and February 2024, Google and Yahoo will be imposing strict new rules on electronic security. Any company sending more than 5,000 electronic messages via or to these platforms will be required to adopt DMARC authentication technology.

Make your email architecture DMAC-compliant

This initiative, announced by Google and Yahoo, marks a crucial step in the fight against electronic fraud, forcing companies to strengthen their security and adopt more stringent email management practices.

Announcement by Google and Yahoo

The joint announcement by Google and Yahoo marks a significant turning point in the fight against electronic fraud. These two major players in the sector have decided to require the adoption of DMARC as a preventive measure against phishing attacks and identity theft. This decision is motivated by a shared desire to strengthen user confidence in their respective platforms and to create a safer Internet.

What is DMARC?

DMARC, or Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance, is not just a response to an imposed requirement. It is a sophisticated protocol which, through its collaborative nature, aims to establish a security standard for electronic communications. DMARC provides in-depth verification of the authenticity of emails, protecting end-users from cyber threats.

This protocol works on both the outbound and inbound sides, ensuring that e-mails sent from your domains are genuine and that those you receive have not been spoofed.

DMARC is based on two key technical functions: the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM). SPF enables mail services to verify the origin of incoming mail, while DKIM uses asymmetric encryption to authenticate emails and prevent spoofing.

The DMARC email fortification process

There are three stages to reinforcing security policies with DMARC: monitoring, quarantine and rejection.

1. Monitoring involves collecting DMARC reports and analysing the external flow matrix.
2. Quarantine requires recipients to consider non-compliant messages.
3. Rejection requires recipients to reject any non-compliant mail.

Impact on email security

Adopting DMARC goes far beyond mere compliance. It's a way for organisations to regain full control over their electronic communications, ensure complete visibility over external email flows and implement rigorous protection policies. The progressive reinforcement of policies in three stages - supervision, quarantine and rejection - offers a strategic approach to eliminating vulnerabilities and ensuring maximum email security.

Implications for businesses

Businesses can't ignore the implications of this announcement. Not complying with the requirements of Google and Yahoo could result in the outright rejection of emails by these platforms. It creates significant barriers to communication with customers, partners and suppliers. However, adopting DMARC goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. It is a proactive approach to ensuring the security of sensitive data, reducing financial risk and protecting corporate reputation.

The February 2024 deadline should not be seen simply as a constraint imposed by Google and Yahoo, but as an opportunity for businesses to strengthen their digital security. By adopting DMARC, organisations can not only meet the standards demanded by these technology giants, but also establish a new standard of trust in the ever-changing digital environment. Email security shouldn't be an option, it should be a priority, and DMARC offers the means to achieve that much sought-after security. It is almost certain that this announcement will lead to an acceleration in the adoption of DMARC, which will quickly make it difficult for non-compliant companies to deliver their e-mails.

Dangers of ignoring DMARC in your email security strategy

Understanding the implications of DMARC compliance is crucial for every organisation. As we navigate through the intricacies of email authentication and security, it's essential to recognise the stark contrast in risks and benefits between environments with and without DMARC. Let's delve into the specifics.

Without DMARC

• Anyone can use your domains
• No visibility of your external email flows
• Exposure to B.E.C. attacks from an internal company address
• Your suppliers, partners and customers are vulnerable to identity theft
• Risk of financial loss
• Risk of data leakage
• Impact on your company's reputation

With DMARC

• Total control and visibility over your external mail flow
• Full control over the sources that can send emails from your domains
• Protection against identity theft for your suppliers, partners and customers
• Immediate risk reduction
• Protection against B.E.C. attacks from an internal company address

Start improving your email security

Nomios can assist in achieving email compliance through a robust and effective methodology. Utilising top-tier tools and solutions in the market, we conduct comprehensive audits for a thorough inventory of your configuration. This approach ensures that all aspects of your email system, including DMARC, are evaluated and brought into full compliance, aligning with the best practices in the industry.