Summary
SPF alignment is crucial for DMARC authentication, requiring the domain in the 'From' address to align with the domain used during the SPF check (return-path). HubSpot's shared infrastructure presents alignment challenges because it controls the return-path, potentially causing issues, especially with strict DMARC policies. While shared senders may 'pass' SPF due to HubSpot's SPF record, true alignment is difficult, and DKIM alignment becomes important. Dedicated HubSpot senders can customize the return-path for better SPF alignment. Relaxed alignment allows some leeway if an exact domain match isn't possible, but proper SPF and DKIM setup are essential regardless. Monitoring DMARC reports and addressing authentication issues are vital for maintaining email deliverability, particularly as DMARC adoption increases.
Key findings
- SPF Alignment Necessity: DMARC authentication relies on SPF alignment, where the 'From' domain must match the SPF-checked domain (return-path).
- HubSpot Shared Challenges: HubSpot's shared infrastructure limits SPF alignment because HubSpot manages the return-path domain.
- Dedicated Sender Advantage: HubSpot dedicated senders can customize their return-path, enhancing SPF alignment and DMARC compliance.
- Relaxed vs. Strict: DMARC supports relaxed alignment (organizational domain match) and strict alignment (exact domain match), affecting SPF evaluation.
- DKIM as Backup: If SPF alignment fails, DMARC relies on DKIM alignment for authentication, emphasizing the importance of DKIM setup.
- Monitoring is Key: Regularly monitoring DMARC reports is crucial for identifying and resolving alignment and authentication issues.
Key considerations
- Choose Alignment Policy: Carefully select strict or relaxed DMARC alignment policies, considering the implications for email deliverability.
- Configure SPF and DKIM: Properly configure SPF and DKIM records as essential prerequisites for DMARC implementation.
- HubSpot-Specific Setup: Follow HubSpot's specific guidance for DMARC setup, understanding the limitations of shared sending.
- Address Issues Promptly: Promptly address any authentication failures or alignment problems identified in DMARC reports.
- DMARC Adoption Impact: Recognize that increasing DMARC adoption necessitates diligent attention to authentication and alignment for all senders.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
SPF alignment is critical for DMARC authentication, requiring the 'From' address domain to match the domain used for SPF authentication (return-path). HubSpot's shared sending infrastructure presents challenges because the return-path is controlled by HubSpot, potentially causing SPF misalignment, especially with strict DMARC policies. While HubSpot messages on a shared network may 'pass' SPF due to HubSpot's SPF record, true alignment is difficult. Dedicated senders in HubSpot can customize their return-path, improving SPF alignment, but shared senders face limitations. Proper SPF and DKIM setup is essential for DMARC, ensuring correct authentication and enhanced deliverability. As DMARC adoption grows, monitoring and correct SPF alignment are increasingly vital to prevent deliverability issues.
Key opinions
- Alignment Requirement: SPF alignment requires the 'From' domain to match the return-path domain for successful DMARC authentication.
- HubSpot Shared Limitations: HubSpot's shared sending infrastructure limits SPF alignment because the return-path is controlled by HubSpot, not the sender.
- Dedicated Sender Advantage: Dedicated senders in HubSpot can customize their return-path, improving SPF alignment for DMARC compliance.
- SPF Pass vs. Alignment: A 'pass' result for SPF doesn't guarantee alignment; the domains must match for DMARC to fully validate SPF.
- DKIM as Alternative: If SPF fails to align, DMARC may rely on DKIM for authentication if DKIM alignment is achieved.
Key considerations
- DMARC Policy Impact: Strict vs. relaxed DMARC policies affect how SPF alignment is evaluated; strict policies require an exact domain match.
- Shared IP Challenges: Shared IPs often cause SPF alignment issues because the return-path domain belongs to the ESP (like HubSpot), not the sender.
- Monitoring DMARC Reports: Regularly monitor DMARC reports to identify and address SPF alignment problems and authentication failures.
- Proper SPF & DKIM Setup: Ensure SPF and DKIM are correctly configured as prerequisites for DMARC implementation to improve email deliverability.
- Domain Configuration: Configure your organizational domain to point to HubSpot's SPF record to help ensure messages sent over a shared network return an SPF 'pass' result.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Validity explains Sender Policy Framework (SPF) alignment for DMARC. It explains that SPF alignment requires that the domain in the From address matches the domain used to authenticate the email (return-path).
5 Oct 2022 - Validity
Marketer view
Email marketer from EasyDMARC clarifies SPF alignment's role in DMARC by stating that, for SPF to pass DMARC, the domain in the 'From' header must align with the domain used in the SPF check, either strictly or relaxed, depending on the DMARC policy.
26 May 2022 - EasyDMARC
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
SPF alignment, while critical for DMARC authentication, isn't a failure point if relaxed alignment is in place and a valid SPF record exists for the sending IP. Strict alignment requires an exact domain match between the SPF domain or DKIM domain and the 'From' address. A passing SPF record from HubSpot isn't relevant to DMARC if there's no domain alignment; DKIM alignment then becomes the key factor. As DMARC adoption grows, ensuring correct alignment, monitoring reports, and addressing authentication issues become crucial for maintaining email deliverability.
Key opinions
- Relaxed Alignment Sufficiency: Relaxed alignment is sufficient for SPF to 'pass' DMARC as long as there is a valid SPF record for the sending IP address, even without domain alignment.
- Strict Alignment Requirements: Strict alignment mandates an exact domain match between the SPF or DKIM domain and the 'From' address for DMARC to pass.
- DKIM's Role in Alignment: If SPF doesn't align, DMARC can still authenticate based on DKIM signature alignment, making DKIM configuration essential.
- Growing DMARC Importance: As more domains adopt DMARC, correctly configuring alignment and monitoring reports become increasingly important to ensure email deliverability.
- HubSpot SPF Irrelevance: The SPF pass for mail from HubSpot is irrelevant to DMARC if there is no domain alignment; DKIM becomes the deciding factor.
Key considerations
- DMARC Policy Choice: Decide whether to implement strict or relaxed DMARC policies, understanding the implications for domain matching requirements.
- Monitor DMARC Reports: Regularly analyze DMARC reports to identify alignment issues and authentication failures to optimize email deliverability.
- Proper Configuration Essential: Ensure both SPF and DKIM are correctly configured to meet DMARC requirements and prevent deliverability problems.
- Understand Failure Scenarios: Understand how different authentication methods (SPF and DKIM) can fail under various circumstances and how DMARC considers both.
- Address Authentication Issues: Promptly address any authentication issues identified in DMARC reports to maintain or improve email deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that SPF alignment is critical for DMARC to properly authenticate email. It highlights that if the sending domain doesn't align with the domain in the 'From' address, DMARC may reject the email unless DKIM provides alignment.
21 May 2024 - Spamresource.com
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains strict alignment means either the SPF domain or the d= domain is exactly the same as the domain in the 5322.from. Customers can pass DMARC based on DKIM signature alignment, and relaxed alignment is generally the recommended approach.
17 Nov 2021 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
SPF alignment for DMARC requires that the domain presented during the SPF check (MAIL FROM or Return-Path) matches the domain in the 'From' header. DMARC defines 'strict' and 'relaxed' alignment modes, with strict requiring an exact domain match and relaxed allowing organizational domain matching. HubSpot provides guidance on setting up DMARC records and managing email authentication.
Key findings
- Alignment Definition: SPF alignment necessitates the 'MAIL FROM' or 'Return-Path' domain to match the 'From' header domain.
- Strict vs. Relaxed: DMARC supports strict (exact match) and relaxed (organizational domain match) alignment modes.
- HubSpot Guidance: HubSpot offers documentation on implementing DMARC policies within its platform.
Key considerations
- Choose Alignment Mode: Select the appropriate alignment mode (strict or relaxed) based on organizational needs and technical capabilities.
- Proper Setup: Follow HubSpot's guidance to correctly configure DMARC records and authentication settings.
- Impact on Evaluation: Understand how alignment modes affect how SPF and DKIM results are evaluated by DMARC.
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that for SPF to align, the domain presented to the receiving mail server during the SPF check (i.e., the domain in the 'MAIL FROM' or 'Return-Path' address) must match the domain in the 'From' header of the email.
4 Nov 2024 - DMARC.org
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor details DMARC alignment modes, explaining 'strict' and 'relaxed' alignment. Strict requires an exact domain match, while relaxed allows organizational domain matching. These modes impact how SPF and DKIM results are evaluated by DMARC.
14 Sep 2021 - RFC Editor
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