Microsoft Tightens DMARC Rules—Are You Ready?
Attention, CEOs and IT managers! Just when you thought managing your email security couldn't get any more complex, Microsoft has decided to spice things up. Starting May 5, 2025, Outlook will enforce stricter DMARC compliance. Yes, you heard that right—Microsoft is joining all the other organizations already requiring DMARC. It’s time to get your email ducks in a row. But, which Outlook are they talking about?
Yeah, that’s a bit confusing. This is for Outlook.com. Which means emails sent to addresses ending in Outlook.com, live.com or Hotmail.com. So if you’re sending to these email addresses, this is important to you.
So, what's the big deal? Microsoft will now require domains sending more than 5,000 emails per day to implement DMARC with at least a p=none policy. And that's not all—your emails must align with either SPF or DKIM (preferably both). Because, you know, one layer of security just isn't enough.
Here are the new requirements:
Mandatory DMARC Compliance: If you haven't set up DMARC yet, congratulations! You now have a new item on your to-do list. Make sure your policy aligns with SPF or DKIM, or face the wrath of the Junk folder.
SPF and DKIM Requirements: SPF must pass for the sending domain, and DKIM must validate email integrity and authenticity. Because who doesn't love juggling multiple email authentication protocols?
Non-Compliance Consequences: Non-compliant messages will initially be routed to the Junk folder. If you still can't get your act together, your emails might eventually be rejected. Fun times ahead!
But why the change? Microsoft claims these changes aim to enhance email security, reduce spoofing and phishing, and ensure safer inbox experiences for users. Because apparently, your current email security measures just aren't cutting it.
Here's what you need to do. First of all, figure out if you’re already in good shape! Go to https://www.simplex-it.com/check-your-dmarc and enter the domain name for your organization, and see whether you’re already ok DMARC-wise. And check out the links on that page for more information.
Plan B? Prepare for a flood of "Why did my email not get delivered?" complaints.
So, there you have it. Microsoft's new DMARC enforcement is coming, and it's not taking any prisoners. Get ready to navigate the labyrinth of email authentication protocols and ensure your clients' emails stay out of the Junk folder. Because, let's face it, email security was getting a little too easy, right?
For more information about this new requirement, contact us!