DomainKeys Identified Mail, or DKIM, is a method for verifying the authenticity of an email using a digital signature. When DKIM is enabled for a specific domain name, a public encryption key is published to the global DNS system and a private one is kept on the mail server. If a new email message is sent, a signature is generated using the private key and when the email message is received, that signature is verified by the incoming POP3/IMAP email server using the public key. Thus, the recipient can easily discern if the email message is legitimate or if the sender’s email address has been spoofed. A discrepancy will appear if the content of the email has been edited on its way as well, so DKIM can also be used to make sure that the sent and the received messages are identical and that nothing has been attached or deleted. This email validation system will enhance your email safety, since you can validate the genuineness of the important emails that you receive and your associates can do the same with the email messages that you send them. Based on the particular email provider’s adopted policy, an email message that fails to pass the examination may be erased or may appear in the receiver’s inbox with a warning symbol.
