DMARC is an email authentication protocol that builds on SPF and DKIM, letting domain owners set policies for how unauthenticated mail should be handled.

Many wonder whether a DIY approach or an automated DMARC service is better. The short answer: automation wins in most cases because it saves time, reduces errors, and provides continuous monitoring.

Implementing DMARC manually often requires deep expertise, ongoing maintenance, and constant vigilance against misconfigurations.

Quick Takeaways

• DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM to protect your domain.
• DIY DMARC requires specialized knowledge and ongoing effort.
• Automated services provide continuous enforcement and real‑time alerts.
• Common DIY pitfalls: misconfigurations, stale policies, and missed threats.
• Palisade’s platform simplifies setup, monitoring, and remediation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DMARC and why does it matter?

DMARC lets you define how receiving servers should treat emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks, protecting your brand from phishing.

Can I set up DMARC without any tools?

Technically yes, but you’ll need to manually create DNS records, monitor reports, and adjust policies—tasks that are error‑prone and time‑consuming.

How does an automated DMARC service help?

Automation continuously collects reports, visualizes threats, and updates policies, ensuring you stay protected without manual effort.

What resources does Palisade provide?

Palisade offers a free DMARC health check, real‑time monitoring, and step‑by‑step guidance to reach full enforcement. Check your DMARC health with Palisade's Email Security Score.

Is there a cost to using Palisade?

Basic monitoring is free; advanced enforcement plans are priced per domain and scale with your needs.

Additional Resources

Read our DIY vs Automated DMARC eBook for an in‑depth comparison.