Email Records … MX Records and SPF, DKIM, and DMARC –

1. MX Records (Mail Exchanger)

Function: Specify which mail servers receive email for your domain.
Purpose: Route incoming messages to the correct provider (such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365).

Impact: Without valid MX records, your domain cannot receive email.

2. SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

Function: A DNS TXT record that defines which servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain.
Purpose: Blocks unauthorized senders and helps prevent domain spoofing.
Format: Begins with v=spf1 and lists approved sending sources.

3. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

Function: Adds a cryptographic signature to outgoing emails.
Purpose: Confirms that the message content has not been altered during transit.
Setup: A public key is published in DNS and used by receiving servers to validate the signature.

4. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)

Function: Applies policy rules based on SPF and DKIM authentication results.
Purpose: Instructs receiving servers how to handle failed messages (monitor, quarantine, or reject).
Benefit: Provides reporting that gives domain owners visibility into email activity and potential abuse.