Email Filtering
Bloss & Dillard uses an email filtering system to figure out which emails are legitimate versus those that aren’t. Many emails we see get inadvertently blocked due to special tools like SPF and DKIM not being properly configured. Here is an explanation as to what SPF and DKIM actually are and why they matter.
SPF in email stands for Sender Policy Framework. Think of SPF as the “guest list” at a party.
- When a company (like Amazon, your school, or your bank) sends an email, it uses certain servers (computers) to deliver that email.
- SPF is like the list of which servers are allowed to send email for that company’s address.
- When your inbox gets a message, it checks the SPF list:
- If the server is on the list – the email is more likely real.
- If it’s not on the list – it could be a fake trying to sneak in.
So SPF is basically: “Only these people are allowed to send emails with my name on them.”
DKIM stands for DomainKeys Identified Mail. Think of it as a secret stamp or signature that proves an email really came from who it says it did.
When a company sends an email:
- Their email system adds a hidden digital signature to the message.
- This signature is created using a special private key (like a secret password).
- When your inbox gets the email, it checks that signature using a matching public key (stored in the company’s domain records).
If the signature matches – the email is verified as legit. If it doesn’t match – it might be tampered with or fake.
Why This Matters
Properly configured SPF and DKIM on your email system can do the following:
- Protects your domain: Prevents malicious actors from spoofing your domain in phishing attacks.
- Improves email deliverability: Helps ensure your legitimate emails reach their intended recipients by building trust in your domain.
- Enhances security: Provides additional layers of defense against malware and spam by verifying sender authenticity.
You can contact your email service provider or your local technology consultant for help in getting these settings properly configured. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at ttooley@bloss-dillard.com.
