Email is still the major means of communication in today’s digital world, thus email security is essential for both individuals and enterprises. A crucial email authentication system called DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) was created to guard against nefarious actors abusing your domain.
To ensure the legitimacy and security of your domain, a DKIM checker is essential for confirming the DKIM records linked to your email server.
Table of Contents
Pricing
| Trail Plan | Standard Plan | Premium Plan | Professional Plan |
| $50 | $145 | $185 | $225 |
| Sending Limit | Sending Limit | Sending Limit | Sending Limit |
| 1000 Emails/Hour | 1500 Emails/Hour | 3000 Emails/Hour | 5000 Emails/Hour |
What is DKIM?
DomainKeys Identified Mail, or DKIM for short, is an authentication system that enables the recipient to verify that an email purporting to originate from a certain domain was approved by the domain owner. A digital signature that is part of the email header and a matching DKIM record that is posted in the DNS of the sending domain
The primary purpose of DKIM is to:
- Authenticate the sender’s identity.
- Protect against email spoofing.
- Ensure email integrity during transit.
What is DKIM Checker
One tool for confirming that an email’s DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) signature is set up appropriately is a DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) checker. An email authentication method called DKIM was created to identify email faking. It enables the recipient to confirm that an email purporting to originate from a particular domain was approved by the domain owner.
Why Use a DKIM Checker?
A DKIM checker helps you discover if your DKIM settings have any problems. Your emails will have delivery issues including spam classification if you set or forget DKIM authentication details properly.
Key Features of a DKIM Checker
Verification of DKIM Record:
- Check if the DKIM DNS TXT record is present in the domain’s DNS settings.
- Validates the syntax and format of the DKIM record.
Testing the Signature:
- Verifies if the DKIM signature in an email header is valid.
- Confirms that the email hasn’t been tampered with during transit.
Selector Check:
- Checks the DKIM selector specified in the email header to locate the correct DNS record.
Key Alignment:
- Verifies if the public key in the DNS record matches the private key used to sign the email.
Error Reporting:
- Highlights issues like missing records, invalid formatting, or mismatched keys.
Features of a Good DKIM Checker
When you perform a DKIM check, the tool should:
- Validate the existence of the DKIM record in the DNS.
- Confirm the correctness of the DKIM syntax.
- Identify potential issues in the DKIM configuration.
- Provide actionable feedback to fix any misconfigurations.
How to Perform a DKIM Record Check
To perform a DKIM record check, follow these steps:
- Identify Your DKIM Selector– This is often provided by your email service provider or included in your email server settings.
- Access a DKIM Checker Tool– Many tools are available online, including standalone DKIM checkers and those integrated into broader email security platforms.
- Enter the Necessary Information– Input your domain name and selector into the DKIM record checker.
- Analyze the Results– Review the report to ensure that your DKIM record is valid and functioning as expected.
Importance of Checking DKIM Records Regularly
Regularly performing a check DKIM record process is essential for maintaining email server health and deliverability. Even minor DNS changes can inadvertently affect DKIM functionality, making periodic checks a best practice.
Common Issues Identified by DKIM Record Checkers
A DKIM record checker can help diagnose and resolve common DKIM-related issues, such as:
- Missing DKIM Record– Indicates that no DKIM record is published in the DNS.
- Incorrect Syntax– Points out errors in the DKIM record’s format.
- Mismatch Between Selector and Domain– Highlights when the DKIM selector doesn’t match the domain configuration.
- Public Key Errors– Flags issues with the DKIM public key used for verification.
Integrating DKIM Checks into Your Email Server Management
For businesses managing their email servers, integrating a DKIM record checker into their routine maintenance ensures better deliverability and security. Here’s how to incorporate DKIM checks effectively:
- Set Up Automated Monitoring– Use tools that offer automated DKIM checks.
- Train IT Staff– Ensure your team understands the importance of DKIM and how to troubleshoot related issues.
- Combine with Other Authentication Protocols– Pair DKIM with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) for comprehensive email security.
Benefits of Using a DKIM Record Checker
Using a reliable DKIM record checker offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Email Deliverability– Ensures your emails reach the intended inboxes.
- Enhanced Security– Protects your domain from spoofing and phishing attacks.
- Reputation Management– Maintains the credibility of your domain.
- Ease of Troubleshooting– Simplifies the process of identifying and resolving DKIM-related issues.
Top DKIM Check Tools
Here’s a detailed list of the top DKIM check tools that help ensure your DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) configuration is set up properly:
DKIMCore.org
One of the most popular DKIM checking tools, DKIMCore is a comprehensive resource for DKIM verification.
Features
- Provides a simple tool to verify the DKIM signature for a specific domain.
- It checks whether the DKIM record is published correctly in DNS.
- Reports on whether the DKIM signature in the email matches the expected result.
How to Use– You enter the domain and the selector, and it checks the DKIM configuration.
Website– DKIMCore.org
MXToolbox DKIM Lookup
MXToolbox is widely known for its DNS and email-related tools. Its DKIM lookup tool checks if the DKIM records are published in DNS and verifies the validity of the public DKIM key.
Features
- Verifies DNS record configuration for DKIM.
- Shows detailed information about the DKIM record, such as the public key, expiration, and selector.
- Offers both DKIM and DMARC checks to give a broader view of the domain’s email security.
How to Use– Input the domain and selector, and the tool will provide a comprehensive analysis of your DKIM record.
Website– MXToolbox DKIM Lookup
Google Admin Toolbox – CheckMX
This tool, part of Google’s Admin Toolbox, allows users to check DKIM records, as well as other email-related configurations like SPF and DMARC.
Features
- Detailed reporting on DKIM records.
- It will tell you if your domain’s DKIM setup is correct and whether the signature matches.
- Can test multiple records and domains for DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.
How to Use– Input the domain and click on “Test.” It checks the DKIM alignment and signature.
Website– Google Admin Toolbox
DKIM Validator
DKIM Validator is a simple and effective tool for verifying your DKIM setup.
Features
- Offers DKIM testing for inbound and outbound emails.
- Provides detailed error reports and suggestions for fixing DKIM issues.
- Helps identify missing or misconfigured DKIM records.
How to Use– Send an email to their provided test address, and the service will validate the DKIM signature and give a detailed analysis.
Website– DKIM Validator
DNSstuff DKIM Checker
DNSstuff offers an easy-to-use DKIM checker along with other DNS-related tools.
Features
- Checks for DKIM records in the DNS and verifies their integrity.
- Provides detailed diagnostics for your DKIM, SPF, and other DNS records.
- Offers a history of past checks for comparison over time.
How to Use– Enter your domain name, and the tool will scan your DKIM record.
Website– DNSstuff DKIM Checker
Mail-tester.com
Mail-tester provides a full suite of email authentication tools, including DKIM checks.
Features:
- Full email analysis, including DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.
- Gives detailed feedback on how to improve your email security and deliverability.
- Provides a “score” based on email configurations, including DKIM.
How to Use– Send a test email to the provided address, and it will analyze the DKIM signature and more.
Website– Mail-tester.com
Dmarcian DKIM Validator
Dmarcian is a popular tool for DMARC and email security, including DKIM checks.
Features
- Tests both the DKIM signature and the DNS record for validity.
- Provides easy-to-understand reports for both novice and advanced users.
- Comprehensive email security analysis, including DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.
How to Use– Simply enter the domain and selector to see detailed DKIM configuration and testing results.
Website– Dmarcian DKIM Validator
EasyDMARC DKIM Checker
EasyDMARC offers a DKIM checker as part of its email security toolkit.
Features
- Validates the DKIM signature and shows whether it aligns with the DNS records.
- Helps track DKIM performance and integration with DMARC.
- Provides actionable insights on how to correct DKIM issues.
How to Use– Input the domain and selector, and it will validate your DKIM configuration.
Website– EasyDMARC DKIM Checker
Postmark DKIM Lookup Tool
Postmark, known for its transactional email service, provides an easy-to-use DKIM checker.
Features
- It checks the DKIM configuration against the DNS record and ensures the signature matches.
- Gives insights into the correct setup and any issues.
How to Use– Enter the domain and selector to check the DKIM signature.
Website– Postmark DKIM Lookup
Checker by SMTP2GO
SMTP2GO provides a DKIM checker as part of its email service tools.
Features
- A comprehensive DKIM and email security checker.
- Provides detailed reports on configuration errors and recommendations.
- It can check for DKIM misalignment and issues with public key installation.
How to Use– Input the selector and domain to get a thorough DKIM check.
Website– SMTP2GO DKIM Checker
Conclusion
Ensuring the proper configuration of your DKIM record is critical for maintaining the security and reputation of your email server. By using a DKIM checker, you can identify and resolve potential issues, safeguard your domain against spoofing, and improve your email deliverability.
Regularly performing a DKIM check and integrating it into your email management strategy will pay dividends in securing your communications and enhancing your domain’s reputation.
