Summary
Email authentication failures when using Klaviyo DKIM and SPF are multifaceted. Potential causes include compromised machines, security gateways modifying messages, SPF misconfigurations (DNS lookup limits, syntax errors), and email forwarding issues, which are a common source of DKIM failures in Klaviyo. SPF is susceptible to forwarding issues, as the forwarder's IP won't match the original sender's authorized IP. Poor IP reputation and DKIM selector mismatches are also contributing factors. Analyzing DMARC aggregate reports, verifying Klaviyo's configuration, monitoring authentication records with tools, and setting a DMARC policy to 'none' for initial monitoring are vital. Regular testing and a review of server configurations helps prevent unexpected forwarding issues, using a custom domain helps configure settings, and double checking DNS configurations are vital. Using SRS (Sender Rewriting Scheme) can help mitigate the problem of forwards, and if the 'mail from' and DKIM match the usual sent mail, this helps identify the problem.
Key findings
- Compromised Machines: Listed IP addresses may be unauthenticated sources of email due to compromised machines or spam.
- Security Gateway Interference: Security gateways modifying messages can break authentication.
- SPF Misconfiguration: Common SPF misconfigurations include exceeding DNS lookup limits and syntax errors.
- Forwarding Issues: DKIM and SPF failures often stem from email forwarding.
- Poor IP Reputation: Low IP reputation impacts deliverability despite proper authentication.
- DKIM Selector Mismatch: DKIM selector mismatches can cause authentication to fail.
- DNS Configuration mistakes: DNS configurations, such as missing full stops, can cause errors.
- Mail From & DKIM: If the 'mail from' and DKIM match normal email, its a good hint its forwarding.
Key considerations
- Address Forwarding: Investigate and address email forwarding issues to resolve DKIM and SPF failures. Implement SRS (Sender Rewriting Scheme).
- Verify Configuration: Verify sending domain configuration within Klaviyo and DNS records for correct SPF and DKIM setup. Using own domain for this.
- Monitor IP Reputation: Monitor IP address reputation; consider using a dedicated IP.
- Analyze DMARC Reports: Regularly analyze DMARC aggregate reports to identify failing sources.
- Review Server Configuration: Review email server configurations for unexpected forwarding rules.
- Implement DMARC Policy: Begin with a DMARC policy of 'none' for monitoring, gradually transitioning to stricter policies.
- Utilize Monitoring Tools: Employ tools to monitor SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
- Troubleshoot DNS: Double check DNS settings and common errors.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
Email authentication failures with Klaviyo DKIM and SPF can arise from a multitude of sources. Security gateways modifying messages, SPF misconfigurations (DNS lookup limits, syntax errors), forwarding issues (breaking SPF), and poor IP reputation are all potential culprits. Analyzing DMARC aggregate reports helps identify failing sources, while verifying Klaviyo's sending domain configuration ensures correct setup. Using a dedicated domain builds trust, and tools like GlockApps can monitor authentication records. A DMARC policy of 'none' facilitates monitoring without immediate impact on deliverability, and double-checking DNS configurations for errors is essential.
Key opinions
- Security Gateways: Security gateways like Perception Point can modify messages, breaking authentication.
- SPF Misconfiguration: Common SPF misconfigurations include exceeding DNS lookup limits and syntax errors.
- Forwarding Issues: Email forwarding often invalidates SPF, leading to authentication failures.
- Poor IP Reputation: Low IP reputation negatively impacts deliverability even with correct authentication.
- DNS Errors: Incorrect DNS configurations, like missing full stops, can prevent email delivery.
- DMARC Reports: DMARC aggregate reports help identify sources failing authentication checks.
Key considerations
- Verify Configuration: Routinely verify sending domain configuration within Klaviyo for correct SPF and DKIM.
- Monitor IP Reputation: Monitor IP address reputation and consider using a dedicated IP.
- Analyze DMARC Reports: Regularly analyze DMARC reports to pinpoint authentication failures and their sources.
- Use a 'None' DMARC Policy: Initially use a DMARC policy of 'none' for monitoring purposes without immediate impact on deliverability.
- Check for Forwarding: Review email server configurations for unexpected forwarding rules.
- Utilize Monitoring Tools: Employ tools to monitor SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for validity and configuration accuracy.
- Use Custom Domains: Use a custom domain to build trust with users and allow for better custom SPF, DKIM and DMARC control.
Marketer view
Email marketer from GlockApps explains that their tool can monitor your SPF, DKIM and DMARC records to ensure they are valid and to check your mail server configuration
29 Nov 2022 - GlockApps
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailchimp explains that using your own domain helps build trust with customers by having your email appear with your brand, and also enables you to setup custom SPF, DKIM and DMARC records that can be properly configured and managed.
13 Nov 2023 - Mailchimp
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Email authentication failures when using Klaviyo DKIM and SPF can stem from compromised machines, generic spam, or email forwarding. SPF is particularly vulnerable to forwarding because the forwarder's IP address will not match the authorized IPs in the SPF record. Monitoring DMARC records is crucial for gaining insights into authentication failures and diagnosing the root cause. If the 'mail from' and DKIM signature match the normal mail, it is likely forwarding is the problem.
Key opinions
- Unauthenticated Sources: IP addresses may be unauthenticated due to compromised machines, spam, or forwarding.
- SPF and Forwarding: SPF failures often result from email forwarding where the forwarder's IP is not authorized.
- Mail From and DKIM Match: If 'mail from' and DKIM match normal mail, forwarding is likely the issue.
- DMARC Monitoring: Monitoring DMARC records provides insights into authentication failures and aids in diagnosis.
Key considerations
- Identify Unauthenticated Sources: Investigate listed IP addresses to determine if they are compromised, spam sources, or forwarders.
- Implement SRS: Consider using Sender Rewriting Scheme (SRS) to mitigate SPF issues with forwarding.
- Regularly Review DMARC: Implement a process to routinely review your DMARC reports.
- Check 'Mail From' and DKIM: Check 'mail from' and DKIM signatures to determine whether these are usual for email being sent.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that SPF is susceptible to forwarding issues because the forwarder's server IP won't match the original sender's authorized IP in the SPF record. He recommends using SRS (Sender Rewriting Scheme) to address this.
16 Sep 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests that if the 'mail from' and DKIM signature match your normal mail, it's almost guaranteed to be forwarding causing the issue.
14 May 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Email authentication failures with Klaviyo DKIM and SPF can be attributed to several technical factors. DKIM failures frequently arise from email forwarding, which invalidates the original DKIM signature. SPF failures occur when the sending server's IP address doesn't match the authorized IPs in the domain's SPF record, potentially due to incorrect SPF configuration. A DKIM selector mismatch, where the selector in the DKIM signature doesn't align with the DNS record, is another cause. Finally, SPF inherently has limitations with forwarded email, further complicating authentication.
Key findings
- DKIM and Forwarding: DKIM failures in Klaviyo often result from email forwarding.
- SPF IP Mismatch: SPF failures occur when the sending server's IP doesn't match the SPF record.
- DKIM Selector Mismatch: DKIM selector mismatches can cause authentication failures.
- SPF Limitations with Forwarding: SPF inherently has limitations when dealing with forwarded email.
Key considerations
- Investigate Forwarding: Check for and address email forwarding issues to resolve DKIM failures.
- Verify SPF Configuration: Ensure correct SPF configuration, including authorized sending server IPs.
- Check DKIM Settings: Verify DKIM settings and DNS records to resolve selector mismatches.
- Understand SPF Limitations: Be aware of SPF limitations with forwarded email and implement mitigation strategies.
Technical article
Documentation from Google explains that SPF has limitations with forwarded email. When an email is forwarded, the original SPF record may no longer be valid, leading to authentication issues.
27 Nov 2022 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from SocketLabs explains that SPF failures occur when the sending server's IP address doesn't match the IPs authorized in the domain's SPF record. This can be due to incorrect SPF configuration or using a sending server not included in the SPF record.
24 May 2023 - SocketLabs
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