🚨 Uh-oh! Can’t Add TXT Records for DMARC? Here’s What You Can Do!
So, you’ve finally decided to implement DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to protect your domain from spoofing and phishing attacks. You’ve got your SPF and DKIM sorted, but wait… your DNS provider won’t let you add TXT records for DMARC? 😱
Don't worry, you’re not alone. Some DNS providers don’t allow you to add TXT records due to limitations in their services, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost.
Let's dive into what you can do to overcome this obstacle and still secure your domain with DMARC!
🔍 Why DMARC Needs TXT Records
Before we troubleshoot, let’s quickly remind ourselves why TXT records are crucial. DMARC uses these TXT records in your DNS to tell email servers how to handle emails that don’t pass authentication checks (i.e., SPF and DKIM). This is how it works:
- The DMARC policy specifies if emails should be quarantined or rejected if they fail.
- The reporting feature lets you track how your domain is being used by other mail servers.
Without the TXT record, the world won’t know what to do with your emails—and that's a security nightmare! So, let’s figure out your workaround.
🛠 What to Do If Your DNS Provider Doesn’t Allow TXT Records
1. Contact Your DNS Provider – It’s Worth a Try!
The simplest solution may be to reach out to your DNS provider. Sometimes, providers have restrictions in place that can be lifted with a request. Whether it’s a policy change or a technical fix, you may be able to convince them to allow TXT records. Don’t forget to mention the security benefits for your domain!
2. Use a Third-Party DNS Provider
If your current provider is unwilling to cooperate or lacks features like TXT record support, it might be time to switch to a better DNS provider. A lot of popular DNS services offer robust DMARC support and allow easy TXT record management. Here are some options you could consider:
- Cloudflare
- Google Cloud DNS
- AWS Route 53
- Dyn
All of these providers allow you to add TXT records, so you can implement DMARC without any hassle.
3. Leverage a Subdomain
If switching DNS providers isn’t an option, you can try using a subdomain to host your DMARC policy. For example, if your domain is yourdomain.com, you can create a subdomain like dmarc.yourdomain.com and configure DMARC for this subdomain. This allows you to bypass the limitations on the main domain while still securing your emails.
📈 Workaround: Use DNS Aliases or CNAME Records
Another clever trick is to use CNAME (Canonical Name) records if your DNS provider allows them. Here’s how it works:
- You create a CNAME record in your DNS for _dmarc.yourdomain.com.
- The CNAME will point to a third-party DMARC provider, like YourDMARC, which manages the actual TXT records for you.
This way, your DNS provider doesn’t have to support TXT records, but your emails are still covered by DMARC.
💡 Other Considerations
- SPF and DKIM: Don’t forget, while DMARC is the “security guard,” SPF and DKIM are its “weapons.” Make sure both are configured correctly before going full throttle with DMARC.
- Monitor Reports: Once your DMARC policy is set up, don’t forget to review your aggregate reports and forensic reports. This will help you spot any strange activity on your domain and adjust your policies accordingly.
- Gradual Rollout: Start with a DMARC policy of “none” to monitor without impacting email flow. Once you’re confident, gradually move to quarantine or reject policies.
🎉 You Got This!
There you have it! If your DNS provider won’t allow you to add TXT records for DMARC, don’t panic—there are ways around it. Whether you contact your provider, switch to a new DNS service, or use a subdomain or CNAME workaround, you’re still on track to protect your domain from phishing and spoofing attacks.
Take control of your email security and implement DMARC today- Totally Free!
