Why DMARC Enforcement Is the Foundation of Successful BIMI Deployment

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is the backbone of email security and the absolute prerequisite for BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) implementation. Without DMARC enforcement-meaning a policy set to “quarantine” or “reject”-BIMI simply won’t work. This enforcement ensures that only authenticated, legitimate emails can be delivered, effectively blocking spoofed or fraudulent messages from reaching recipients.

Why BIMI Depends on DMARC Enforcement

• Authentication Layer: BIMI builds on the security foundation laid by DMARC. Only domains with DMARC enforcement can display their brand logo in supported inboxes.
• Spoofing Protection: DMARC policies of “quarantine” or “reject” prevent unauthorized emails from being delivered, drastically reducing phishing and impersonation risks.
• Trust and Visibility: Email clients check for DMARC enforcement before displaying your BIMI logo, making DMARC the gatekeeper for this powerful brand trust signal.

Technical Requirements for BIMI

To successfully deploy BIMI, you must:

• SPF and DKIM Setup: Implement SPF and DKIM authentication for your domain.
• Enforce DMARC: Use a policy of “quarantine” or “reject”—not “none”—and ensure alignment between the ‘From’ domain and your authentication records.
• Publish BIMI Record: Add a BIMI record in DNS that points to your verified logo and, where required, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC).

The Business Impact of Getting DMARC and BIMI Right

• Brand Protection: DMARC blocks fraudulent emails, while BIMI visually signals authenticity and brand ownership in every inbox.
• Customer Trust: Recipients gain confidence when they see your verified logo, knowing your messages are authentic and safe.
• Reduced Risk: The combination of DMARC and BIMI dramatically lowers the chance of phishing, spoofing, and brand impersonation attacks.

• Audit All Sending Sources: Ensure every legitimate sender is authenticated with SPF and DKIM before enforcing DMARC.
• Set DMARC to “Quarantine” or “Reject”: Only these policies meet BIMI’s requirements and block unauthorized mail.
• Monitor and Adjust: Use DMARC and BIMI analytics to track authentication, monitor threats, and maintain compliance.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Security, IT, and marketing must work together to maintain ongoing DMARC enforcement and BIMI visibility.

Explore our FAQ on BIMI Technical Requirements to ensure your domain is ready for logo display.

DMARC enforcement: The essential first step for BIMI-set your policy to “quarantine” or “reject.”

Brand protection: DMARC blocks spoofing; BIMI makes your authenticity visible in every inbox.

Trust and impact: Only with DMARC enforcement can your brand logo become a trusted signal in email marketing.