How to Understand IP Address SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

By eHow Computers Editor

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Do you often receive emails notifying you of delivery failures for messages you never created? The solution to this problem is simple: Sender Policy Framework or SPF. To understand how it works, read these steps.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Computer
SPF

Step1

SPF controls address forgery by the sender. Some abusers will forge e-mail addresses to gain access to important information or to spread computer virus. SPF can prevent that. You can study the basics of the program on Web sites like the Sender Policy Framework Project (see Resources below).

Step2

Start using SPF. This program starts working when the domain owner releases or publishes details in an SPF record program in the DNS zone of that domain.

Step3

Act on the received message. Open the message and attached reputation after confirming that it is not a fake. This reputation, particularly in IP address based reputation systems such as SpamCop or Spamhaus, is based on the list of e-mail addresses and the domains.

Step4

Create an SPF record on all fake messages. If you receive a fake message, publish an SPF record to reduce or prevent abuse.

Tips & Warnings

Publishing an SPF record requires knowledge of the program commands. If you want to successfully publish a record without impacting authentic messages and you don't feel comfortable with the program, consult professional help.
This program does not work automatically like other firewall protections. You will have to study its functions first. For example, when a person's mail server receives an e-mail from a certain domain, the recipient's server checks to see if the message conforms to the domain's policy. If the message comes from an unknown source, it automatically will be designated as a fake.
Although SPF can help prevent e-mail abusers, it does have lapses. For example, it might not automatically recognize an authentic message from a fake one, which means that on certain occasions, authentic e-mails may still be identified as tainted.