Summary
The overwhelming consensus from experts, email marketers, and documentation sources is that DomainKeys is an obsolete email authentication standard, superseded by DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). DKIM offers superior security, flexibility, and is the actively supported protocol. Implementing DomainKeys is strongly discouraged due to its deprecated status, potential resource consumption, and minimal impact on modern email deliverability. Instead, efforts should focus on implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for optimal email authentication.
Key findings
- DomainKeys is Deprecated: All sources agree that DomainKeys is an outdated and obsolete email authentication standard.
- DKIM is the Preferred Standard: DKIM is the modern, secure, and widely adopted replacement for DomainKeys.
- DomainKeys Implementation Not Recommended: Experts and documentation sources advise against implementing DomainKeys in modern email systems.
- DKIM Provides Better Security: DKIM offers enhanced security and flexibility compared to DomainKeys.
- Focus on SPF and DMARC: Alongside DKIM, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) should be implemented for comprehensive email authentication.
Key considerations
- Migrate from DomainKeys to DKIM: If a system is currently using DomainKeys, migrating to DKIM is highly recommended.
- Prioritize DKIM Implementation: Focus resources and efforts on implementing and configuring DKIM correctly.
- Ensure DNS Configuration: Verify that DNS records for DKIM (and SPF/DMARC) are properly configured for email authentication.
- Avoid DomainKeys Configuration: Avoid spending time configuring DomainKeys as it will not provide the desired security or deliverability benefits.
- Consider System Maintenance: If relying on DomainKeys, assess the overall maintenance and security of the email system, as other components may also be outdated.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
The consensus among email marketers and experts is that DomainKeys is an outdated and deprecated email authentication standard that has been superseded by DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). Implementing DomainKeys is generally not recommended for modern email systems due to its reduced security, lack of support, and potential negative impact on CPU resources and delivery throughput. The focus should be on implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for optimal email authentication and deliverability.
Key opinions
- DomainKeys Deprecated: DomainKeys is obsolete and no longer supported by most email systems.
- DKIM Recommended: DKIM is the modern, more secure, and widely adopted email authentication standard.
- Resource Intensive: Implementing DomainKeys can consume significant CPU resources, potentially slowing down email delivery throughput.
- Low Deliverability Impact: Implementing DomainKeys is unlikely to improve email deliverability in modern email systems.
- Focus on Modern Standards: Efforts should be directed towards implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC for better email authentication and deliverability.
Key considerations
- Migration to DKIM: If using DomainKeys, plan to migrate to DKIM as it provides better security and is actively supported.
- Resource Allocation: Consider the CPU resource implications if still using DomainKeys on a legacy system.
- DNS Configuration: Implementing DKIM involves generating a key pair and adding a DNS record. Ensure this is correctly configured.
- SPF and DMARC: Combine DKIM with SPF and DMARC for comprehensive email authentication and protection against spoofing.
- System Maintenance: If maintaining a legacy system, be aware that relying on DomainKeys may indicate other outdated and unmaintained components.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stack Overflow responds that DomainKeys is an older authentication standard, less secure and now superseded by DKIM. Suggests it's generally not recommended to implement DomainKeys in a new system.
5 Aug 2023 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailSecurityGPT answers that DKIM is the modern and recommended protocol, and it's generally better to focus on DKIM, SPF and DMARC setup for modern email authentication. Focusing on implementing DomainKeys would be a waste of time.
26 Sep 2023 - EmailSecurityGPT.com
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
Experts generally agree that DomainKeys is an outdated and deprecated email authentication method, having been largely replaced by the more secure and widely adopted DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). Implementing DomainKeys is considered pointless in modern email systems, with some suggesting it's only useful for historical interest. Instead, focus should be placed on DKIM for email authentication, as it is actively supported and widely used.
Key opinions
- DomainKeys Deprecated: DomainKeys is an obsolete email authentication method.
- DKIM is Preferred: DKIM is the modern and preferred email authentication method.
- Limited Support: Providers may no longer support DomainKeys signing.
- Outdated Code: Code for DomainKeys implementation is likely outdated and may no longer work.
- Historical Interest Only: Implementing DomainKeys is primarily of historical interest only.
Key considerations
- Focus on DKIM: Prioritize implementing and configuring DKIM for email authentication.
- Avoid DomainKeys: Avoid investing time and resources in implementing DomainKeys.
- Legacy Systems: If still using DomainKeys, consider upgrading to DKIM for improved security and support.
- Check Provider Support: If you intend to use DomainKeys, verify if your email provider still supports it.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that DomainKeys is old, and that you should focus on DKIM for authentication as it's much more widely adopted and useful.
5 Apr 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that he's not sure anyone is still checking DomainKeys and that having it is sorta pointless. Suggests asking the provider if they even support signing these keys still.
1 Oct 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
6 technical articles
Email authentication documentation consistently states that DomainKeys is an older, deprecated method superseded by DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). DKIM offers enhanced security and flexibility. While configuration details for DomainKeys involving public/private key pairs and DNS TXT records are available, implementing it is not recommended for modern systems. The focus should be on migrating to or implementing DKIM.
Key findings
- DomainKeys Deprecated: DomainKeys is an outdated email authentication method.
- DKIM is Superior: DKIM provides improved security and flexibility compared to DomainKeys.
- Historical Significance: DomainKeys serves as a predecessor to DKIM and is now primarily of historical interest.
- Configuration Details Available: Documentation exists detailing the configuration process for DomainKeys, but implementation is not advised.
- DNS Records Involved: DomainKeys implementation required configuring DNS TXT records with public keys.
Key considerations
- Migrate to DKIM: If currently using DomainKeys, prioritize migrating to DKIM.
- Avoid New DomainKeys Implementation: Refrain from implementing DomainKeys in new email systems.
- Understand DKIM Configuration: Focus on understanding and implementing DKIM for modern email authentication.
- Review DNS Settings: Ensure proper configuration of DNS records for DKIM, as this is critical for effective authentication.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC 4870 (DomainKey specification) details the technical specifications for DomainKeys. This is largely for historical/archival purposes, as the standard has been superseded. Describes the method for signing email messages.
29 Aug 2023 - RFC Editor
Technical article
Documentation from Cisco notes DomainKey is an authentication method which validates the domain of the sender. It details the steps for configuration using a public/private key pair in DNS records, but generally advises migrating to DKIM.
16 Sep 2021 - Cisco
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