Summary
To resolve `compauth=fail` errors due to domain alignment issues, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Firstly, ensure proper alignment between the `From` domain and the domains used for SPF and DKIM. This involves adding DKIM and DMARC records, configuring SPF to authorize sending sources, and verifying that the DKIM signature is valid. Analyze DMARC reports to identify discrepancies and patterns of failure. When using third-party services, configure SPF correctly to include their `MAIL FROM` domain. Implement DMARC policies gradually, starting with `p=none` for monitoring, and use a DKIM key size of at least 2048 bits. Maintain a consistent `From` domain, monitor sender reputation, and test email authentication setups to identify and fix issues before sending campaigns. Coordinate with email vendors and providers to ensure proper configurations are in place.
Key findings
- DMARC Alignment is Key: DMARC alignment, where the `From` domain matches SPF and DKIM domains, is crucial for passing authentication.
- Importance of DKIM and DMARC Records: Adding and correctly configuring DKIM and DMARC records is essential for resolving alignment issues.
- SPF Configuration with Third-Party Services: Properly configuring SPF to include third-party sending services' `MAIL FROM` domains is vital.
- DMARC Reporting for Troubleshooting: Analyzing DMARC reports helps pinpoint discrepancies and causes of authentication failures.
- Gradual DMARC Policy Implementation: Implementing DMARC policies gradually, starting with `p=none`, is recommended to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
- DKIM Key Size Matters: A DKIM key size of at least 2048 bits is required for robust authentication.
- Consistent `From` Domain for Reputation: Using a consistent `From` domain across all campaigns enhances sender reputation.
- Proactive Authentication Testing: Testing email authentication setup before sending campaigns identifies and resolves alignment issues.
Key considerations
- DNS Configuration: Ensure correct configuration of DNS records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
- Email Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with email vendors to properly set up and manage authentication protocols.
- Header Analysis: Verify email headers to confirm proper DKIM signatures and alignment.
- Infrastructure Alignment: Ensure sending infrastructure uses aligned domains.
- Monitoring Sender Reputation: Monitor and maintain a good sender reputation.
- Analyze DMARC Reports: Regularly analyze DMARC reports to promptly address alignment issues.
- Policy Enforcement Strategy: Implement DMARC policies gradually, starting with monitoring, to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
- Security Considerations: Use DKIM keys that are at least 2048 bits long.
- Proactive Testing: Proactively test the authentication configuration for all systems.
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
To resolve `compauth=fail` errors in email headers due to domain alignment issues, it's crucial to ensure that the domains used for SPF and DKIM are aligned with the `From` header. This involves configuring SPF and DKIM records to match the `From` domain, analyzing DMARC reports to identify discrepancies, and adjusting DNS records and sending practices accordingly. Additional steps include delegating subdomains for SPF when using multiple sending services, using a DKIM key size of at least 2048 bits, consistently using the same `From` domain, monitoring sender reputation, and testing email authentication setups before sending campaigns.
Key opinions
- DMARC Alignment: DMARC alignment is crucial; the domain in the `From` header must match the domains used for SPF and DKIM to pass authentication checks.
- DKIM Configuration: A correctly configured DKIM signature requires the signing domain to match the `From` header to prevent DMARC failures.
- DMARC Report Analysis: Analyzing DMARC reports helps identify discrepancies between the `From` domain and the domains used for SPF and DKIM.
- SPF Subdomain Delegation: When using multiple sending services, delegating subdomains for SPF can manage authentication and reduce conflicts.
- DKIM Key Size: Using a DKIM key size of at least 2048 bits is essential to prevent authentication failures due to insufficient key size.
- Consistent `From` Domain: Consistently using the same `From` domain across all email campaigns is crucial for building a positive sender reputation and avoiding spam filters.
- Sender Reputation Monitoring: Monitoring your sender reputation is essential for identifying deliverability issues that can lead to authentication failures.
- Authentication Testing: Testing email authentication setups (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) before sending campaigns helps identify and fix alignment issues.
Key considerations
- DNS Records: Carefully configure and review DNS records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to ensure proper alignment.
- Sending Practices: Adjust sending practices to ensure consistent use of domains and adherence to authentication protocols.
- Sending Services: Coordinate with sending services to ensure they are properly configured to handle SPF and DKIM alignment.
- DMARC Policy: Implement DMARC policies gradually, starting with `p=none`, to monitor results and avoid blocking legitimate emails.
- Tool Utilization: Utilize tools like Google Postmaster Tools and email testing services to monitor sender reputation and validate email authentication setup.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit explains that if you're using multiple sending services, delegating subdomains for SPF can help manage authentication. Create a subdomain for each service and configure SPF records accordingly. This can prevent conflicts and improve alignment, reducing `compauth=fail` errors.
28 Oct 2021 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailonAcid provides that consistently using the same `From` domain across all your email campaigns is crucial for building a positive sender reputation. Inconsistent domains can trigger spam filters and cause authentication failures, leading to `compauth=fail` errors. They suggest to standardize your `From` domain.
29 Jan 2023 - EmailonAcid
What the experts say
7 expert opinions
Fixing `compauth=fail` errors due to domain alignment issues involves several key steps. Microsoft may parse domains separately if they are not aligned, leading to authentication failures, which can be resolved by adding DKIM and DMARC for the relevant domain. Engaging with the email vendor to add the domain or a subdomain to the `smtp.mailfrom` is also important. The provider should sign on behalf of the user with a branded DKIM. Even if DKIM is published, headers must show the message was signed. Alignment of SPF and DKIM domains with the `From` header is crucial, ensuring the `MAIL FROM` and signing domain match. Analyzing DMARC reports helps identify the cause of DMARC failures, while maintaining a good sender reputation can prevent deliverability issues, even with proper alignment.
Key opinions
- Domain Alignment: Microsoft parses domains separately if not aligned, causing authentication failures.
- DKIM and DMARC: Adding DKIM and DMARC for the relevant domain can resolve alignment issues.
- smtp.mailfrom: Engage with the email vendor to add the domain or a subdomain to the `smtp.mailfrom`.
- Branded DKIM: The provider should sign on behalf of the user with a branded DKIM.
- DKIM Signature Verification: Ensure headers show that the message was signed with DKIM, even if DKIM is published.
- SPF and DKIM Alignment: Alignment of SPF and DKIM domains with the `From` header is crucial.
- DMARC Report Analysis: Analyzing DMARC reports helps identify the cause of DMARC failures.
- Sender Reputation: Maintaining a good sender reputation can prevent deliverability issues, even with proper alignment.
Key considerations
- Email Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with your email vendor to ensure proper configuration of SPF and DKIM.
- Header Verification: Verify email headers to confirm DKIM signatures and alignment.
- DMARC Monitoring: Regularly monitor DMARC reports to identify and address alignment issues.
- Reputation Management: Actively manage and monitor your sender reputation to maintain deliverability.
- DNS Configuration: Correctly configure SPF, DKIM and DMARC records in DNS.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Microsoft is parsing the domains separately due to non-alignment, leading to authentication failures. He suggests adding DKIM from the `doroteadesign.com.ar` domain and DMARC from the same domain to resolve this.
15 Nov 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that to fix `compauth=fail`, ensure the domains used for SPF and DKIM are aligned with the `From` header. This means the `MAIL FROM` for SPF and the signing domain for DKIM must match the `From` domain. If they don't match, authentication will fail.
12 Nov 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Fixing `compauth=fail` errors due to domain alignment issues involves understanding that these errors indicate composite authentication failures resulting from discrepancies in SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. SPF alignment requires matching the domain in the `MAIL FROM` or `Return-Path` with the `From` header. Third-party sending services can cause issues if SPF isn't correctly configured to authorize the service's `MAIL FROM` domain. Implementing DMARC policies should be done gradually, starting with a `p=none` policy to monitor and adjust configurations, preventing legitimate emails from being blocked due to restrictive policies without proper alignment.
Key findings
- Authentication-Results Header: `compauth=fail` indicates composite authentication failure due to domain alignment issues.
- SPF Alignment: SPF alignment requires matching the `MAIL FROM` or `Return-Path` domain with the `From` header.
- Third-Party Sending Services: Incorrect SPF configuration with third-party sending services causes alignment problems.
- DMARC Policy Implementation: Implementing restrictive DMARC policies without proper alignment can block legitimate emails.
- Gradual DMARC Implementation: Start with a `p=none` DMARC policy to monitor and adjust configurations.
Key considerations
- SPF Configuration: Correctly configure SPF records to authorize sending sources and align domains.
- DMARC Monitoring: Monitor DMARC reports to identify alignment issues and authentication failures.
- Policy Enforcement: Gradually enforce DMARC policies, starting with monitoring, to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
- Header Analysis: Analyze the `Authentication-Results` header to understand the specifics of authentication failures.
- Sending Infrastructure: Ensure sending infrastructure is correctly configured to use aligned domains.
Technical article
Documentation from AuthSMTP explains common SPF issues, specifically that using a third-party sending service can cause alignment problems if SPF is not configured correctly. The `MAIL FROM` domain used by the sending service needs to be authorized in your SPF record. Incorrect SPF configuration can lead to authentication failures and `compauth=fail` errors.
18 Sep 2022 - AuthSMTP
Technical article
Documentation from RFC explains about DMARC policies to be enforced. They explain that setting a restrictive DMARC policy (e.g., `p=reject`) without proper alignment can result in legitimate emails being blocked. Gradually implement DMARC policies, starting with `p=none` to monitor results before enforcing stricter policies to avoid `compauth=fail` errors and lost emails.
10 Jun 2022 - ietf.org
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