DNS TXT Record
A type of DNS record used to store text-based data, commonly used for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
DNS TXT records are a type of Domain Name System record that store arbitrary text strings associated with a domain. While originally designed for general-purpose annotations, TXT records have become the primary mechanism for email authentication protocols including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Email-related TXT record examples:
- SPF:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all— authorizes sending servers - DKIM:
v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0G...— published at a selector subdomain likegoogle._domainkey.example.com - DMARC:
v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com— published at_dmarc.example.com - BIMI:
v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg— published atdefault._bimi.example.com
Why TXT records matter for verification: During email verification, SendSure queries TXT records to determine the domain's email provider, authentication posture, and policy configuration. A domain with no SPF record and no DKIM key is more likely to be suspicious. TXT records also help identify the email platform (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.), which informs the verification strategy since different providers respond differently to SMTP probes.
Related Terms
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
A DNS record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
A cryptographic email authentication method that verifies an email was sent by an authorized server and wasn't altered in transit.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)
A protocol that tells receiving servers what to do when SPF or DKIM checks fail for your domain.
BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification)
An email standard that allows brands to display their verified logo next to emails in the recipient's inbox.
MX Record
A DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for accepting email for a domain.
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