How Can You Move from Reactive to Proactive Email Security Posture?

Quick Takeaways

• Start with DMARC monitoring (p=none) before moving to quarantine and reject.
• Rotate DKIM keys every six months, using at least 2048‑bit keys.
• Use a single DMARC record at the root domain to cover subdomains, unless you need granular control.
• Analyze SPF includes with Palisade’s SPF lookup tool to see all underlying IPs.
• Allow 2‑4 weeks of monitoring at each DMARC policy stage to avoid disruptions.
• Leverage Palisade’s email security score to assess overall posture.

What’s the best way to handle subdomains with DMARC?

Use a single DMARC record at the root domain with the p= tag to enforce policy across all subdomains. This simplifies management while providing uniform protection. If your organization has a complex, multi‑regional setup, you may add explicit DMARC records on critical subdomains for tighter control.

How often should DKIM keys be rotated?

Rotate DKIM keys every six months and use key lengths of at least 2048 bits. Regular rotation limits the window of exposure if a private key is compromised and aligns with industry best practices.

Can I see all IP addresses behind an SPF ‘include’?

Yes. Palisade’s SPF lookup tool expands the include mechanism and lists every IP address, helping you verify authorized senders.

Should I set my DMARC policy to reject, quarantine, or none?

Start with a monitoring policy (p=none) to collect reports and confirm all legitimate sources are authenticated. After two weeks of clean data, move to p=quarantine, then to p=reject for full protection.

How long should I monitor before moving to a stricter DMARC policy?

Allow two to four weeks at each policy level. This period ensures that any mis‑configurations are identified and fixed without disrupting legitimate email flow.

Can Palisade help analyze my domain and subdomains for a presentation?

Absolutely. Palisade offers a free trial that generates detailed reports on domain and subdomain configurations, highlighting misconfigurations and security gaps. Export the report to share with stakeholders.

Final Thoughts

A proactive email security posture reduces the risk of spoofing and phishing attacks. By following these steps—monitoring DMARC, rotating DKIM keys, scrutinizing SPF includes, and using Palisade’s email security score—you can confidently protect your organization’s email ecosystem.

Additional Resources

• Check your Email Security Score
• Learn more about DKIM
• Implement BIMI for brand trust

FAQs

1. What is the first step to improve email security? Begin by publishing a DMARC record with p=none to collect reports and understand your email flow.
2. How does BIMI enhance security? BIMI displays your brand’s logo in the inbox, reinforcing brand authenticity and boosting recipient confidence.
3. Do I need separate SPF records for each subdomain? Usually a single SPF record at the root covers subdomains, but high‑risk subdomains may need dedicated records.
4. What if my DMARC reports show unknown sources? Investigate the source, update your SPF/DKIM configurations, and only then progress to stricter policies.
5. How can I continuously monitor my email security? Use Palisade’s ongoing monitoring tools to receive alerts on misconfigurations and policy violations.