When sending emails through a third-party service provider like Cvent, ensuring proper email authentication is critical for deliverability. This includes understanding how they handle SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) alignment. These two mechanisms are foundational to DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), which email providers increasingly rely on to determine if an email is legitimate.
My goal here is to clarify Cvent's capabilities regarding SPF and DKIM alignment, helping you ensure your emails reach the inbox and avoid spam folders. Getting this right is vital for maintaining a strong sender reputation and achieving optimal email deliverability.
Email alignment refers to the process where the domain in the From header (the visible sender address) matches the domain used for either SPF or DKIM authentication. This alignment is a core requirement for DMARC to pass, which in turn helps prevent email spoofing and phishing.
For SPF alignment, the domain in the From header needs to match the domain found in the email's Return-Path (or Mail From) header. With DKIM alignment, the From header domain must align with the domain specified in the d= tag of the DKIM signature. Both types of alignment are important for email authentication.
Why alignment matters
When the domains align, DMARC considers the email to be authenticated and passes the check. If neither SPF nor DKIM aligns, the DMARC check fails, which can lead to your emails being marked as spam or rejected. This is why mere authentication (SPF or DKIM passes) is often not enough; alignment is the critical step for DMARC compliance.
Ensuring alignment is part of a broader set of email authentication best practices that every sender should follow to protect their domain reputation and improve deliverability. Without it, your legitimate emails may encounter issues, impacting your communication effectiveness.
Cvent's current support for DKIM alignment
Based on my research and discussions within the email community, Cvent does support DKIM alignment for emails sent through their platform. This is a significant positive, as DKIM alignment is often the primary mechanism for DMARC compliance when using a third-party sender. For Cvent users, setting this up typically involves working directly with their support team.
Cvent provides a DKIM key pair that you need to publish as a TXT record in your domain's DNS. Once published, Cvent can sign your emails with your domain's signature, ensuring that your From header domain aligns with the DKIM d= tag, which is essential for DMARC compliance with Cvent.
Example DKIM record provided by CventDNS
yourselector._domainkey.yourdomain.com IN TXT "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQDnS2mKz1Y5h7J2q..."
While DKIM alignment is supported, it's crucial to confirm the exact steps with Cvent's support team, as the process for obtaining and publishing the DKIM key can vary slightly. Properly configured DKIM significantly boosts your email's authenticity and helps prevent them from landing on a spam blocklist (or blacklist).
Should you encounter any issues during this setup, such as DKIM alignment errors, contacting Cvent's dedicated support is your best course of action. They can provide the specific keys and instructions necessary for your domain.
Cvent's stance on SPF alignment
Unlike DKIM, Cvent's support for SPF alignment has been historically challenging. As of my latest information, Cvent is considered an "SPF-Incapable" email source. This means that, at present, it's generally not possible to configure SPF alignment for emails sent through Cvent, as the Return-Path domain used by Cvent (their own domain) does not match your custom From header domain.
This situation is not unique to Cvent. Many email service providers (ESPs) handle bounces and other feedback mechanisms by routing emails through their own domains for the Return-Path. This design, while functional for their internal operations, inherently prevents SPF alignment with your sending domain. While SPF authentication may still pass (meaning Cvent's IPs are authorized in your SPF record), the crucial alignment required for DMARC will not.
Some sources, such as dmarcianbeacon, specifically mention Cvent's SPF-incapability. This highlights a common challenge when integrating third-party senders into a DMARC-compliant email strategy. It is always a good idea to check with your provider directly for their most current capabilities.
Impact on DMARC and deliverability
The inability to achieve SPF alignment with Cvent means that your DMARC compliance will solely depend on DKIM alignment. For DMARC to pass, at least one of SPF or DKIM must authenticate and align. Since SPF alignment isn't feasible, a correctly configured and aligned DKIM signature becomes even more critical for your emails to pass DMARC checks. If your DKIM setup is also incorrect, your emails are much more likely to fail DMARC and end up in the spam folder or get rejected outright.
The challenge of SPF alignment
Return-Path mismatch: Cvent uses its own domain for the Return-Path, preventing alignment with your From domain.
Deliverability risk: Reliance solely on DKIM means that if DKIM fails, DMARC will also fail, leading to emails being quarantined or rejected. This can increase your chances of being on an email blacklist (or blocklist).
The solution with DKIM alignment
Custom domain support: Cvent allows you to configure DKIM with your own domain, ensuring alignment with your From header.
DMARC compliance: Proper DKIM alignment helps your emails pass DMARC checks, improving their trustworthiness and inbox placement.
This reliance on DKIM alignment is a common scenario when working with ESPs. It underscores the importance of correctly setting up DKIM for your domain and ensuring it aligns with your From domain. Without this, your emails might fail DMARC verification and struggle with inbox placement, even if your content is relevant and your audience engaged.
For Cvent users, the takeaway is clear: prioritize getting DKIM properly configured with your own domain. While SPF authentication might pass, its lack of alignment means DMARC relies heavily on a successful DKIM alignment. This is crucial for your overall email deliverability and ensuring your messages avoid the spam folder. Remember to check your email authentication settings regularly.
Views from the trenches
Authentication Mechanism
Cvent's Support for Alignment
Impact on DMARC
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
Limited/Incapable of alignment
SPF authentication may pass, but alignment with your From domain is not supported.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
Yes, with Cvent support
Crucial for DMARC compliance, as it's the primary alignment mechanism. Requires custom key setup.
Best practices
Always prioritize DKIM alignment with your custom domain when SPF alignment is not possible with your email service provider (ESP).
Contact Cvent support directly to obtain the necessary DKIM keys and detailed instructions for publishing them in your DNS records.
Regularly monitor your DMARC reports to ensure that your emails are passing authentication and alignment checks successfully.
Common pitfalls
Assuming that SPF authentication alone is sufficient for DMARC compliance, especially when SPF alignment is not supported by your ESP.
Failing to publish the provided DKIM keys correctly or delaying the configuration process, which can lead to DMARC failures.
Overlooking the importance of email alignment and focusing only on basic SPF and DKIM records, missing the DMARC requirement.
Expert tips
While Cvent may not currently support SPF alignment, ensure your SPF record includes all legitimate sending sources to pass SPF authentication.
For optimal deliverability, a robust DKIM setup is paramount for Cvent users to ensure DMARC compliance.
Keep an eye on Cvent's updates regarding SPF alignment support, as email authentication standards evolve.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says they were inquiring about Cvent's support for SPF or DKIM alignment, noting that whitelisting IP addresses often isn't sufficient for DMARC.
2021-03-26 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says Cvent likely supports DKIM for custom domains, advising to contact their support team for setup.
2021-03-26 - Email Geeks
Key takeaways for Cvent users
While Cvent does not currently offer SPF alignment, its support for DKIM alignment is a critical feature that enables DMARC compliance. This means that for emails sent via Cvent, your strategy should heavily lean on ensuring your DKIM records are correctly set up and aligned with your sending domain.
Proactive configuration of DKIM and continuous monitoring of your email authentication status will help maintain high deliverability rates and protect your brand's reputation. Always engage with Cvent's support to facilitate the proper setup of your DKIM keys.
Limited/Incapable of alignment
