Knowledge Base

Email Authentication Records

These records help ensure your emails are delivered and not marked as spam.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

Tells receiving servers which servers can send email for your domain.

Add TXT record:

v=spf1 include:_spf.hostdeal.com ~all

Check with your provider for the exact value.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

Adds a digital signature to your emails.

1. Log into DirectAdmin
2. Go to Email Accounts or DomainKeys
3. Enable DKIM
4. Copy the generated TXT record
5. Add it to your DNS

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)

Tells receiving servers what to do with emails that fail SPF/DKIM.

Add TXT record named _dmarc:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com

DMARC Policies

• p=none - Monitor only, don't block
• p=quarantine - Send failures to spam
• p=reject - Block failures completely

Testing Your Records

Use tools like:

• mail-tester.com
• mxtoolbox.com

Best Practice

Start with p=none, monitor reports, then gradually move to quarantine/reject.