PowerDMARC’s DMARC checker tool, along with our other DNS record checker and generator tools are completely free to use!

There are several DMARC check results you may come across while checking DMARC. Here are a few common results:

• DMARC status valid: If you see “Valid” status against your DMARC record this means that your record is correct.
• DMARC status invalid: If you see an “Invalid” status against your check, this means that your record is incorrect. It may be due to syntax errors or missing mandatory fields (like version and policy fields).
• No DMARC record found: If you see this result, it means that the check couldn’t track down any DMARC record published on your domain. This may mean that you have not published a record for DMARC in your DNS yet. We recommend accessing your DNS management console to double check the presence of a DMARC record among your DNS records.

The advantage of using our DMARC validator tool is that we usually highlight the errors and explain the results of your check. However, if you still come across a result that you fail to understand, contact us for a free expert consultation.

Authentication mechanisms like DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) help verify your safe list of email addresses and email content using SPF and DKIM respectively, prevent fraudulent emails and email scams, and allow mail receivers to send back information on policy records, suspicious emails, and alignment modes with the help of XML feedback through DMARC reports.

Your policy enforcement mode (p) allows you to select between three options and provide preferences to recipients of emails that DMARC does not authenticate. You can choose from the following DMARC policy:

• Deliver it (none)

A relaxed mode where no action is taken against dubious emails, however, you continue receiving Aggregate XML reports and DMARC forensic reports on your email senders and email traffic sources

• Keep it under review for later (quarantine)

A more strict mode wherein emails are lodged in the quarantine or spam folder, providing a certain degree of protection against email spoofing.

• Stop the delivery (reject)

Minimize email fraud and protect your email reputation against impersonation with maximum DMARC enforcement policy at p=reject

While DMARC enhances email security, there are some potential risks associated with its implementation:

1. Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured DMARC records can inadvertently block legitimate emails or allow malicious ones to bypass security measures.
2. False Positives: Aggressive DMARC policies like p=reject may result in legitimate emails being marked as spam or rejected, impacting communication with clients, partners, or customers. However, there is a possibility of that happening only if you haven’t properly authorized your sending sources. This is why domain owners use a DMARC monitoring tool like PowerDMARC to move to DMARC enforcement safely!
3. Operational Burden: Implementing and managing DMARC requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance. This can be resource-intensive for organizations with complex email infrastructures. A hosted DMARC service helps relieve the stress of investing time and effort in DMARC management.

A DMARC analyzer or management platform can greatly simplify the implementation, monitoring, and management of DMARC policies. DMARC analyzers provide insights into email authentication status, help identify authentication failures, and offer reporting and alerting functionalities. They enable organizations to fine-tune DMARC policies, track compliance, and mitigate risks associated with email domain abuse effectively.

To check DMARC failure:

1. Analyze your email headers
2. Monitor DMARC aggregate reports

Often, DMARC fail can lead to email deliverability issues. You should be able to check for failures to make sure your emails are not getting blocked.