How to Set Up SPF for Google Workspace/Gsuite?

Q: Q.7 What if I need extra help with SPF?

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Setting up SPF for Google Workspace helps prevent email-related cyber attacks by verifying the authenticity of the sender’s email address. Today, you will learn to set up SPF for Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). So, let’s get straight to the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions – how to set up SPF for Google Workspace?

Table of Contents

How to Set up SPF for Google Workspace?

Step 1: Access Google Admin Console

Use your administrator credentials to log in to your Google Admin Console.

Step 2: Navigate to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > Authenticate Email

In the Admin Console, navigate to “Apps,” then “Google Workspace,” followed by “Gmail.”
Click on “Authenticate Email” to access the email authentication settings.

Step 3: Add SPF Record

Scroll down to the “SPF record” section and click “Add” to create a new SPF record.
Google provides a default SPF record that includes their mail servers. You can customize this record to include additional authorized mail servers if needed.

Step 4: Customize SPF Record

If you have other mail servers or third-party services that send emails on behalf of your domain, you will need to include them in your SPF record.
Edit the SPF record to include IP addresses or authorized mail servers’ domain names.

For example:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:othermailserver.com -all

Replace “othermailserver.com” with the actual domain names or IP addresses.

Let’s understand this thing:

The SPF record starts with “v=spf1,” indicating its version.
You use the “include:” tag in your SPF record to specify authorized domains.
If you’re using IPv4 addresses, you can employ the “ip4” tag. Similarly, for IPv6 addresses, you can utilize the “ip6” tag. When you use the “~all” tag – also known as the soft fail qualifier, incoming emails not listed in the SPF record are accepted but marked as suspicious.
Alternatively, employing the “-all” tag or a fail qualifier means emails from servers not included in your SPF record are rejected outright.

Step 5: Publish SPF Record in DNS

Once you’ve customized your SPF record – you need to publish it in your domain’s DNS settings.
Log in to your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider’s website to access your domain’s DNS settings.

Step 6: Add SPF Record to DNS

Create a new TXT record in your DNS settings with the SPF syntax.
Copy and paste the SPF record you customized in the Admin Console into the TXT record field.
Publish the SPF record by saving the changes.

Step 7: Verify SPF Configuration

Use online SPF record-checking tools to verify that your SPF record has been published correctly and is valid. It takes some time.

Step 8: Monitor SPF Authentication

Once SPF is set up for Google Workspace, monitor SPF authentication results regularly.
Google Workspace provides built-in reporting and logging features that allow you to track SPF authentication results for incoming emails.

Conclusion

So, the bottom line is setting up SPF for Google Workspace is an easy task and takes no time. If you follow these simple & straightforward steps – you can do it even if you are no tech expert. Undoubtedly, SPF brings a multitude of benefits. It not only just secures your email communication but also enhances the trust & reliability levels of your Workspace. Connect with Leasepacket, the best server provider, if you need help with your email security.

FAQ’s

Q.1 What is SPF & why do I need it for Google Workspace?

SPF is an email authentication protocol that helps prevent email attacks by verifying the authenticity of the sender’s email address. Google Workspace ensures that only authorized mail servers can send emails on behalf of your domain, enhancing email security.

Q.2 How do I add custom mail servers to my SPF record for Google Workspace?

You can add custom mail servers to your SPF record by editing the default SPF record provided by Google Workspace. Include IP addresses or domain names of all authorized mail servers in the SPF record using the SPF syntax.

Q.3 Can I use third-party services with Google Workspace while maintaining SPF authentication?

Yes! You can use third-party services with Google Workspace while maintaining SPF authentication. Include the IP addresses or domain names of the third-party service’s mail servers in your SPF record to authorize them to send emails on behalf of your domain.

Q.4 What action should I take if SPF verification fails for incoming emails?

If SPF verification fails for incoming emails, you can configure the desired action in the Google Admin Console. Options are – marking the message as spam, reject, or deliver with a warning.

Q.5 How often should I monitor SPF authentication for Google Workspace?

You should monitor SPF authentication for Google Workspace regularly to ensure the effectiveness of your email security measures. You can use Google Workspace’s built-in reporting and logging features to track SPF authentication results for incoming emails.

Q.6 Can I delegate SPF management to a third-party service for Google Workspace?

Yes! You can delegate SPF management to a third-party service for Google Workspace by granting them access to your domain’s DNS settings. They can then assist you in configuring and managing your SPF record to ensure optimal email security.