To configure an SPF record for a mail server, follow these steps:
1. Determine the authorized mail servers: Identify the IP addresses and/or domain names of the servers that are authorized to send emails for your domain.
1. Create an SPF record: Use a text editor to create a TXT record in your DNS zone file that lists the authorized sending servers. The SPF record should be in the following format:
“v=spf1 [mechanisms]”
Where [mechanisms] list the authorized IP addresses, domain names, and sending policies.
For example, if your mail server is hosted on IP address 192.168.1.1 and your company domain is example.com, your SPF record could look like this:
“v=spf1 ip4:192.168.1.1 include:example.com -all”
In this example, the “ip4” mechanism authorizes email from the IP address 192.168.1.1, and the “include” mechanism authorizes email from other domains that are listed in the example.com DNS zone file. The “-all” policy indicates that all other mail servers should be considered unauthorized.
1. Publish your SPF record: Once you have created your SPF record, register it by adding it as a TXT record in your DNS zone file or through your DNS hosting provider’s control panel, depending on how your organization manages DNS.
1. Test your SPF record: Use an SPF checker tool, such as the SPF Record Testing Tools from MXToolBox, to verify that your SPF record is configured correctly.
By creating and publishing an SPF record, you help ensure that emails from your domain are authenticated and delivered to recipient inboxes, while protecting your domain from email fraud and spam.
