Heads up, Outlook users, there are some major changes coming up to strengthen the email ecosystem and protect inboxes. They have recently released new requirements and best practices aimed at strengthening email authentication for domains that send more than 5,000 emails per day.
These new requirements will introduce stricter standards by mandating the use of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings. Outlook is looking to modify, promote and implement industry-wide best practices to reduce spoofing, phishing, and spam, while giving legitimate senders stronger brand protection and improved email deliverability.
What does this mean for email marketing Outlook users?
Here’s what you need to know about Outlook’s latest requirments for users who send over 5,000 emails
For domains sending over 5,000 emails per day, Outlook will soon require compliance with SPF, DKIM, DMARC. Non‐compliant messages will first be routed to Junk. If issues remain unresolved, they may eventually be rejected. Senders will soon start requiring compliance with the following requirements:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
- Must Pass for the sending domain.
- Your domain’s DNS record should accurately list authorized IP addresses/hosts.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
- Must Pass to validate email integrity and authenticity.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)
- At least p=none and align with either SPF or DKIM (preferably both).