Is Your TLS RPT Record Failing to Work? Here’s What You Need to Know
TLS Reporting (TLS-RPT) is a crucial email security feature that helps domain owners monitor and fix issues with encrypted email delivery. If your TLS RPT record isn't working, you might be missing important security insights, leaving your email communications vulnerable.
🔍 Why is Your TLS RPT Record Not Working?
1. Incorrect DNS Configuration
A misconfigured TLS-RPT record in your DNS can prevent proper reporting. Common mistakes include:
- Typos in the record value.
- Missing or incorrect subdomain.
- Incorrect TXT record format.
2. Missing or Incorrect Reporting Email Address
- The record must contain a valid URI for receiving reports.
- If the email address in
ruais incorrect or inaccessible, reports will not be received.
3. Unsupported Email Providers
- Some email service providers may not generate TLS-RPT reports.
- Verify that your email provider supports TLS-RPT reporting.
4. Report Format Issues
- Receiving servers may reject improperly formatted reports.
- Ensure your email client can read JSON-formatted TLS reports.
5. Domain Name Resolution Issues
- If your domain is not resolving correctly, it may cause reporting failures.
- Use a DNS resolution tool to confirm that your domain is active and accessible.
🛠 How to Diagnose the Problem
1. Check Your TLS-RPT Record
Use a DNS lookup tool to verify that your record is correctly published. You can check using the following command in your terminal:
nslookup -type=TXT _smtp._tls.yourdomain.com
2. Validate Your DNS Syntax
Ensure your record follows the correct format. A properly configured TLS-RPT record should look like this:
_smtp._tls.yourdomain.com TXT "v=TLSRPTv1; rua=mailto:reports@yourdomain.com"
3. Confirm Report Delivery
Check if your designated email address is receiving TLS reports. If no reports are received:
- Verify the
ruaemail address. - Check spam/junk folders.
- Use a different reporting email to troubleshoot.
4. Inspect DNS Propagation
DNS changes can take time to propagate. Use an online DNS propagation checker to verify your record’s status.
5. Review Email Provider Support
Ensure your email provider supports TLS-RPT. If not, consider switching providers or using third-party monitoring tools.
✅ Fixing Your TLS RPT Record Issues
1. Correct Your DNS Record
Ensure it's formatted correctly and published under the correct subdomain. A working example:
_smtp._tls.example.com TXT "v=TLSRPTv1; rua=mailto:reports@example.com"
2. Use a Valid Reporting Email Address
Make sure the designated email can receive and process reports. You can use a dedicated mailbox or an external service such as:
- Postmark
- Google Workspace TLS reports
3. Check Email Provider Compatibility
Some providers don’t support TLS-RPT. Contact your provider’s support or check their documentation.
4. Monitor DNS Propagation
Wait a few hours for DNS changes to take effect and check again using:
dig _smtp._tls.yourdomain.com TXT
5. Test Your Configuration
Use online tools like: Your Dmarc
6. Ensure Reports Are in JSON Format
TLS reports should be received in JSON format. A sample TLS report:
{ "organization-name": "YourCompany", "date-range": {"start-datetime": "2024-02-20T00:00:00Z", "end-datetime": "2024-02-21T00:00:00Z"}, "contact-info": "admin@yourdomain.com", "policies": [ {"policy-type": "tls-rpt", "policy-string": "enforce"} ], "records": [] }
🚀 Best Practices to Prevent Future Issues
1. Regularly Monitor Your TLS Reports
Analyzing your reports helps detect encryption failures early. Use automation tools to collect and interpret reports.
2. Keep Your Email Security Records Updated
Ensure SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and TLS-RPT records are correctly configured and updated regularly.
3. Automate TLS Report Analysis
Use services that parse TLS-RPT reports to identify patterns in failed transmissions.
4. Follow Best Practices for Secure Email Communication
- Avoid using outdated encryption protocols.
- Ensure your mail server enforces TLS 1.2 or higher.
- Implement strong DMARC policies.
🔗 Need Help? YourDMARC Has You Covered!
If you're struggling to configure your TLS-RPT record, let YourDMARC assist you with quick diagnostics and fixes. Secure your email communications today!
