What is DMARC, and why do you need it?

by Kevin Lewis | Dec 22, 2021 | Technology

Hackers and spamming groups are always on the lookout for vulnerable and weak domains. With the malicious intent to use email domains that they are not authorized to use, they try to rick users and conduct phishing scams and other forms of cyber frauds, including data breaches, sending fake invoices, impersonating other accounts and ransomware spreading etc.

Organizations thus need to incorporate features in their cybersecurity frameworks to protect their email domains against hackers and avoid their brand names from being misused. In this regard, DMARC is an effective email authentication mechanism that protects an organization’s brand’s domain from hackers who may try to impersonate its brand and send emails through what may look like the organization’s domain address.

Let’s look at what it is and what it does.

We have established that DMARC is a component of cybersecurity and used by organizations to prevent their domain name from being misused by hackers. It stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance and is a powerful tool for safeguarding the organization’s domain against spoofing.

A DMARC policy is implemented while deploying DMARC, which guides the email servers on how to treat the email and what to do after checking if the email has been passed by the SPF (Sender Policy Framework) or DKIM (Domain keys Identified Mail), which are also email authenticating mechanisms. DMARC policy outlines a set of rules to prevent hackers from using their domains.

Once verified by SPF or DKIM or both, the email is subjected to a DMARC check. It enables the organization to check all incoming emails according to DMARC records. If an email does not pass that test, it may be subjected to some actions/organizational policy.

The email is subjected to three kinds of policies which are determined on the basis of the organization’s risk tolerance perception. The email may be sent as a normal message with a warning. It is also included in the list of emails that did not pass the DMARC record check test.

Alternatively, the email may automatically be diverted to a quarantine section where it is approved manually before allowing delivery. The third option is that the email may be rejected right away, which is the ultimate purpose of using DMARC.

Why DMARC

DMARC can be regarded as an innovation in the field of anti-spoofing. It enables operators to easily identify valid and authentic emails and protect their domain name from unauthorized users who may want to use it for fraudulent activities, spamming or phishing.

If you are concerned about safeguarding your brand’s domain, you can install DMARC and be stress-free.

What Are The Can’t-Miss Phones of Today?

by Kevin Lewis | Jul 29, 2020 | Technology

Buying the top phone is a major expense (unless you sell old phone first, making it slightly more affordable to get a new one) regardless of the brand its attached to, meaning you need to go into the market with as much information as possible. Plenty of new phones have hit in the past six months and this is not likely to slow down any time soon.

While we could just do an article on a single phone, there is no single phone to suit everyone’s needs. Some are loyal to Apple features, while others favor customization and Google Assistant. Provided below are 10 of the best phones on the market so that you can make the best possible decision in purchasing a new phone. Before we go into specifics, here are a few basic points to consider regardless of your purchase.

• It should have a large display.
• It is easy to handle.
• It has a full-bodied camera.
• Both the battery and processor are capable of doing work without slowdown.

The Top Seven Phones On the Market

1. The Samsung Galaxy S20 & S20 Plus. While the difference in features between these two items are notable, they are also minor enough to rank in the same spot. Both have impressive screens of over 6 inches in size, expandable microSD storage, 30x maximum zoom on the camera and a buttery smooth 120 Hz refresh rate.
2. Apple’s iPhone 11. This is arguably the best iPhone you can buy at $699. Not only is it a bargain when compared to other phones, it also has most of the features you can find in Apple’s Pro phone.
3. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus. This is likely to be your favorite phone if you prefer one that does not fold, incorporating a 6.8 inch screen that you interact with via a stylus. This model comes equipped with five cameras and a battery life of 36 hours.
4. Apple’s iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max. This is what you should buy if you want an iPhone with all the bells and whistles. Yes, it is Apple’s biggest and most robust of phones, but this comes with a huge price tag.
5. OnePlus 8 Pro. This Android phone offers 5G, 120 Hz refresh rates and a trio of cameras.
6. Apple’s iPhone SE 2020. If you want an iPhone on a budget, this is your best bet. It has features from several models to maintain a single-handed phone.
7. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. This is the top-end Samsung phone with an accompanying price. Among its most novel of features is a 100x “Space Zoom” that few users are likely to get any real benefit out of.