How do I fix DKIM alignment errors and configure DKIM signing for a custom domain in Microsoft 365 and is include:spf.mtasv.net required for mailchimp?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Super User suggests that DKIM alignment issues can occur when using subdomains. The 'From' address must align with the domain used in the DKIM signature. Ensuring consistent domain usage across email headers and DKIM settings can prevent alignment problems.
Email marketer from Email on Acid mentions that common DKIM errors include incorrect DNS record syntax and propagation delays. They advise double-checking the DKIM record for typos and waiting for the changes to propagate fully before testing.
Email marketer from Mailjet shares general guidelines for SPF record syntax. They stress that having multiple SPF records can cause issues, and recommend using 'include:' statements to incorporate other services (like Mailchimp) into your existing SPF record.
Email marketer from Reddit says that when setting up DKIM in Microsoft 365, it's important to ensure that the DKIM record is properly propagated in your DNS settings. They suggest using DNS lookup tools to verify the record and allowing sufficient time for DNS changes to take effect.
Email marketer from MXToolbox explains that configuring your SPF record correctly is important for deliverability. Check syntax and propagation.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow suggests that DKIM alignment requires the 'd=' tag in the DKIM signature to match the domain in the 'From:' header of the email. Mismatches cause alignment issues, and proper setup within the sending platform is crucial.
Email marketer from Postmark states that when using third-party email services like Mailchimp, you should review their SPF documentation to determine if you need to add their servers to your SPF record. They don't mention spf.mtasv.net specifically.
Email marketer from EasyDMARC shares a guide with screenshots showing how to ensure a custom domain handles DKIM instead of the default .onmicrosoft domain. The guide details how to generate a DKIM record and enable it in the Microsoft 365 admin center, along with steps to verify the configuration.
Email marketer from dmarcian explains that DKIM alignment failure means that the domain used to sign the email doesn't match the domain in the 'From' address. They recommend verifying the DKIM selector and ensuring the signing domain matches the sending domain to resolve this.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise answers explains that the 'include:' mechanism in SPF records allows you to delegate SPF authorization to another domain. When considering whether to include a service like Mailchimp, you need to evaluate if their sending practices align with your domain's security policies. While they don't specifically mention 'spf.mtasv.net', they suggest being cautious about blindly including third-party domains without understanding their sending infrastructure.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that DKIM alignment issues often stem from incorrect domain ownership verification. Ensuring that your domain is properly verified within Microsoft 365 is crucial before configuring DKIM. This involves adding specific DNS records provided by Microsoft to prove ownership.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that including spf.mtasv.net in the SPF record isn't necessary because Mailchimp uses its own domain in the 5321.from address, and SPF checks the 5321.from against the sending IP.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that DKIM alignment issues arise when the DKIM signature is with onmicrosoft.com instead of the desired domain. To fix this, you need to configure O365 to use your domain and a corresponding private key for signing, which involves more than just publishing DNS records. The problem isn't necessarily with the DKIM records themselves, but rather that the O365 instance isn't signing with the correct DKIM domain.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft Learn outlines how to rotate DKIM keys in Microsoft 365. It covers generating new DKIM keys, updating DNS records, and activating the new key for signing. Proper key rollover ensures continued email authentication without interruption.
Documentation from Microsoft Learn explains that to use DKIM with a custom domain in Microsoft 365, you must create DKIM DNS records. They advise using two 1024-bit keys or moving to 2048-bit keys for enhanced security. It details the steps to enable DKIM signing for your custom domain within the Microsoft 365 Defender portal or via PowerShell.
Documentation from Mailchimp states that SPF records authorize specific servers to send email on behalf of your domain. While using Mailchimp, you might need to include Mailchimp's servers in your SPF record but does not specifically refer to 'include:spf.mtasv.net'.
Related resources0Resources
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