DKIM vs DMARC
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) both come up in technology conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: DKIM refers to domainkeys identified mail, while DMARC refers to domain-based message authentication, reporting and conformance — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
DKIM — DomainKeys Identified Mail
An email authentication method that uses a cryptographic signature to prove an email was actually sent from the claimed domain and wasn't tampered with.
DMARC — Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance
An email policy that builds on SPF and DKIM to tell receiving servers what to do with messages that fail authentication.
When to use DKIM
Reach for "DKIM" when the conversation is specifically about domainkeys identified mail. An email authentication method that uses a cryptographic signature to prove an email was actually sent from the claimed domain and wasn't tampered with.
When to use DMARC
Reach for "DMARC" when the conversation is specifically about domain-based message authentication, reporting and conformance. An email policy that builds on SPF and DKIM to tell receiving servers what to do with messages that fail authentication.
FAQs
What is the difference between DKIM and DMARC?
DKIM stands for DomainKeys Identified Mail — An email authentication method that uses a cryptographic signature to prove an email was actually sent from the claimed domain and wasn't tampered with. DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance — An email policy that builds on SPF and DKIM to tell receiving servers what to do with messages that fail authentication.
Are DKIM and DMARC the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. DKIM = DomainKeys Identified Mail. DMARC = Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance.
When should I use DKIM vs DMARC?
Use DKIM when you're specifically referring to domainkeys identified mail. Use DMARC when the topic is domain-based message authentication, reporting and conformance.