Email SPF Records

Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is a method of fighting spam. As time passes, this protocol will be used as one of a more standard method of fighting spam on the Internet. An SPF record is a TXT record that is part of a domain's DNS record (zone file). The TXT record specifies a list of authorized hostnames/IP addresses that mail can originate from for a given domain name. Once this entry is placed within the DNS zone (records), no further configuration is necessary to take advantage of servers that incorporate SPF checking into their anti-spam systems. This SPF record is added the same way as a regular A, MX, or CNAME record.

What can it do for me

Spamming with a fake reply-to address is called "spoofing." Since the email appears to be coming form your server, complaints and bouncebacks from the spam will often be redirected to your server, rather than the actual spammer. You may also receive some of the original spam - spam that appears to be coming from you!

Adding the SPF record to your zone file is one of the best ways to stop spammers from using this technique with your domain. An SPF record will remove a high quantity of bouncebacks that you are receiving because other providers will reject the email immediately, without sending a bounce-back to the spoofed reply-to address.

How to add an SPF Record

1. Login to your Bravenet account
2. Click on the "Domains" tab
3. Click on the domain you wish to manage
4. Scroll down to "TXT" Records and click "Add TXT Record"

A SPF record would look something like this mydomain.com. IN TXT "v=spf1 mx a a:spf1.bravehost.com ~all"