DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) is a method for authenticating emails. DKIM adds a digital signature to your outgoing emails, allowing recipients’ email servers to verify that the messages come from a legitimate sender and haven’t been altered on the way. Setting up DKIM for your email server, such as Plesk, can enhance your email deliverability and protect your domain’s reputation from being used for phishing or spamming. With this post, you will get your answer on how to set up DKIM for Plesk.
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Also, check out our previous posts:
How to Create a DKIM Record?
What is DKIM?
How to Set Up DKIM for Plesk?
Setting up DKIM for Plesk involves several steps, including generating DKIM keys, adding DNS records, and configuring Plesk’s email settings to enable DKIM signing. Follow these steps to set up DKIM for your Plesk server:
Generate DKIM Keys
- Log in to your Plesk control panel.
- Navigate to the “Mail” tab and select “Mail Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “DKIM spam protection” section and click “Enable DKIM spam protection for newly created domains” to enable DKIM signing for new domains.
- Click “Generate” next to “DKIM key settings” to create DKIM keys for your domains.
Configure DNS Records
- After generating DKIM keys, Plesk will display the DNS records required for DKIM authentication.
- Copy the DKIM DNS record, including the selector prefix and the public key.
- Log in to your domain registrar’s website or DNS management interface.
- Add a new TXT record for your domain with the DKIM information provided by Plesk.
- Save the DNS record to publish the DKIM key for your domain.
Enable DKIM Signing
- Once the DNS records are configured, return to the Plesk control panel.
- Navigate to the “Mail” tab and select “Mail Server Settings.”
- Scroll below to the “DKIM spam protection” section and ensure that “Enable signing outgoing mail” is checked.
- Click on “Apply” to save the changes.
Test DKIM Setup
- Send a test email from your Plesk server to an external email address.
- Check the email headers of the received message to verify that the DKIM signature is present and valid.
- Use online DKIM validation tools to ensure your DKIM setup is functioning correctly.
Monitor DKIM Status
- Periodically monitor the DKIM status in Plesk to ensure that DKIM signing is enabled for all outgoing emails.
- Check the DNS records associated with your domain to verify that the DKIM keys are correctly published.
Bottom Line
Setting up DKIM for Plesk is a straightforward process involving a few changes in Plesk’s email settings. Applying DKIM authentication can improve the security and deliverability of your email communications. It also ensures that your messages are less likely to be flagged as spam or phishing attempts. Follow the steps outlined above to set up DKIM for your Plesk server and enhance the credibility of your email communications. Do you need help with your email security? Connect with Leasepacket, one of the top server providers in the world.
Faq
How does DKIM enhance email security?
DKIM adds a digital signature to outgoing emails, allowing recipients’ email servers to verify the sender’s authenticity and detect any alterations to the message in transit.
Where do I generate DKIM keys in Plesk?
You can generate DKIM keys in Plesk by navigating to the “Mail” tab, selecting “Mail Settings,” and clicking on “Generate” next to “DKIM key settings.”
What DNS records do I need to configure for DKIM?
You need to add a TXT DNS record for your domain with the DKIM information provided by Plesk, including the selector prefix and the public key.
How do I enable DKIM signing for outgoing emails?
To enable DKIM signing for outgoing emails in Plesk, navigate to “Mail Server Settings,” ensure that “Enable signing outgoing mail” is checked, and click on “Apply” to save the changes.
How can I test if DKIM is set up correctly in Plesk?
You can test the DKIM setup by sending a test email from your Plesk server to an external address and checking the email headers to verify the presence and validity of the DKIM signature.
What should I do if DKIM signing is not working in Plesk?
If DKIM signing is not working, double-check the DNS records for your domain to ensure they are correctly configured, and verify that DKIM signing is enabled in Plesk’s email settings.