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DKIM Record Checker | Free Email Authentication Validator

Validate DKIM records to secure emails, prevent spoofing, fix signing issues, and boost deliverability instantly.

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DKIM Record Checker

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DKIM’s Cryptographic Signature Role

DKIM provides cryptographic signatures for outgoing emails, allowing recipients to verify authenticity. These signatures help prevent spoofing, phishing, and other malicious activity. By linking a message to a domain, DKIM ensures emails remain intact during transit, establishing trust with recipients and maintaining domain reputation. Proper implementation supports secure, reliable email delivery at all times.

How DKIM Works: Selector, Public Key in TXT Under _domainkey

DKIM uses a selector to identify which public key to reference. The public key is published in a TXT record under _domainkey.yourdomain.com. Outgoing messages are signed using the private key, allowing receiving servers to confirm the sender’s authenticity and message integrity.

Selector Function

Selectors enable multiple keys per domain, supporting key rotation or testing without affecting active signatures. They also simplify managing keys across different services or servers within the same domain.

Public Key Storage

The public key in the DNS TXT record allows receiving servers to verify signatures. Accurate publication ensures messages are authenticated correctly, preventing failures due to misconfigured DNS entries or incorrect key formats.

Implementation Example: Generating 2048-Bit Keys and Publishing

Organizations can implement DKIM securely by generating a 2048-bit key pair. The private key is stored on the mail server, while the public key is published under a selector subdomain in DNS. Outgoing emails are signed with the private key, ensuring that recipients can verify authenticity. Proper configuration supports strong email security and avoids delivery issues caused by signature mismatches.

Key Generation Process

Use tools like openssl or mail server utilities to generate strong 2048-bit keys. The private key must remain confidential and secured from unauthorized access.

Publishing the Public Key

Publish the public key as a TXT record under _domainkey.selector.domain.com. Ensure correct formatting with quotes and no extra spaces. This prevents verification errors and maintains smooth mail authentication.

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Troubleshooting Signature Failures (Canonicalization, Header Modifications)

Signature failures can occur due to mismatched canonicalization settings or header modifications during transit. Forwarding services, gateways, or intermediary servers can alter message headers, invalidating DKIM signatures. Proper canonicalization settings and consistent header management prevent failures, ensuring messages pass verification reliably and maintain trust across all email flows.

Canonicalization Issues

Adjust canonicalization to align header and body processing between sender and receiver. This reduces mismatches and ensures that legitimate emails pass DKIM checks.

Header Modification Problems

Avoid altering signed headers during forwarding or relay processes. Review all intermediary systems for automatic modifications that could break signatures, and test after changes to confirm integrity.

Rotation Strategy: Schedule, Coordination With

Regular key rotation enhances email security. Schedule rotations ahead of time, coordinate with all sending servers, and update the DNS TXT records accordingly. Test new keys thoroughly before retiring old ones to ensure uninterrupted DKIM validation and maintain continuous authentication for all outgoing messages, preventing potential delivery issues.

Tools to Test DKIM Signatures and Public Key Presence

Use online DKIM validators or command-line tools like dig and opendkim-testmsg to verify that public keys are published correctly and that email signatures validate properly. Regular testing ensures the integrity of outgoing messages, identifies any misconfigurations, and confirms that authentication functions across all sending servers. Continuous monitoring of these tools helps detect issues early, prevents silent failures, and ensures reliable email delivery while maintaining domain reputation and DKIM compliance.

Best Practices (Key Length, Selector Naming, Backups)

Always use 2048-bit or stronger keys to ensure cryptographic security. Assign descriptive selectors that clearly identify the key’s purpose and environment. Keep secure backups of all private keys, and document key rotations thoroughly. Regularly review DNS records to confirm accuracy, and maintain consistent DKIM configurations across all mail servers. Audit include statements, remove obsolete keys, and coordinate changes across teams. Following these practices prevents misconfigurations, enhances deliverability, ensures reliable verification, and strengthens email authentication across multiple services and infrastructure environments.

Conclusion — DKIM as Part of Stable Email Auth

DKIM strengthens email security by providing verifiable signatures. Consistent key management, routine rotation, and ongoing monitoring ensure message integrity, protect domain reputation, and maintain reliable email delivery across all platforms and services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to outgoing emails so recipients can verify origin and integrity, reducing spoofing and protecting domain reputation.

DKIM uses a selector to reference a public key published as a TXT record under _domainkey.yourdomain. The private key signs messages; recipients verify with DNS.

Selectors let you run multiple DKIM keys for rotation or testing without disrupting active signatures, simplifying key management across services and servers.

Generate a 2048-bit key pair; keep the private key on your mail server and publish the public key in a TXT record under _domainkey.selector.domain to enable verification.