DKIM is a digital signature method used to verify email messages. Despite its short and simple name, the spelling of DKIM can be tricky. It is pronounced [dɪ’kɪm], with the stress on the first syllable. The letters D, K and I are pronounced as they sound in the English alphabet, while the letter M is pronounced as [ɛm]. When hearing or using the word DKIM, it is important to pay attention to its spelling to ensure proper implementation of email authentication protocols.
DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is an email authentication method that allows the verification of the integrity and source of an email message. DKIM is designed to combat email forgery and protect against malicious activities such as spoofing and phishing.
DKIM works by using public key cryptography to digitally sign outgoing emails. When an email is sent, the sending domain adds a digital signature to the message header. This signature is created using a private key that is only known by the sending domain. The public key is then published in the domain's DNS records.
Upon receiving the email, the recipient's mail server can retrieve the public key from the DNS and use it to decrypt the signature. If the signature is valid and the message has not been altered during transit, DKIM verifies that the email is indeed from the claimed domain and hasn't been tampered with.
The DKIM signature provides assurance to the recipient that the email is legitimate and was not forged or modified. It adds an additional layer of security to the email communication by allowing the recipient to verify the authenticity of the sender.
DKIM has gained widespread adoption as an industry standard for email authentication and is supported by major email providers and mail transfer agents. Implementation of DKIM helps in building trust and ensuring the integrity of email messages, reducing the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and email-based fraud.