In an era where digital communication is paramount, email remains a fundamental tool for business and personal interactions. However, this indispensable medium is continually targeted by cybercriminals, leveraging it for phishing, spreading malware, and conducting fraud. In a concerted effort to bolster email security, Google and Yahoo have independently announced new mandates that will reshape the landscape of email communication. 

Starting 1^st February 2024, these policies will require email senders to implement email authentication, marking a significant shift towards enhanced email security protocols. 

Additionally, the latest update in PCI DSS v4.0 (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) necessitates the use of DMARC for companies handling credit card data by 8^th March 2025

The New Email Security Mandates 

Google and Yahoo have both unveiled new requirements aimed at strengthening the defenses of email communication. Starting from February 2024, all email senders must adopt email authentication, reflecting the critical need to secure email channels against an array of cyber threats, including spam, phishing, and malicious activities. The implementation of these policies is a proactive measure to mitigate the vulnerabilities associated with email communication, aiming to significantly reduce the volume of unwanted and potentially harmful emails.

Some Key Points related to these new mandates include:

• Implement DMARC, establishing policies for emails that do not pass SPF or DKIM checks.
• Ensure accurate SPF and DKIM records, verifying that emails are authenticated in alignment with the domain’s policies.
• Adopt TLS encryption for email, securing email transmissions.
• Adopt ARC for forwarded emails, ensuring the authentication information remains intact and verifiable after an email has been forwarded

For more details about Sender’s Guidelines, you can refer to: Google’s Email Sender Guidelines and Yahoo’s Email Sender Guidelines

The Importance of Email Authentication

Email authentication acts as a critical line of defense, verifying the legitimacy of an email before it reaches the recipient. This process ensures that the email is authentic and has not been altered, functioning much like a security checkpoint for digital correspondence. The benefits of email authentication are manifold:

• Phishing and Scam Prevention: It helps identify and block deceptive emails, drastically reducing the risk of phishing attacks.
• Spam Reduction: By distinguishing legitimate emails from unsolicited bulk messages, email authentication keeps inboxes cleaner and more manageable.
• Brand Protection: Preventing unauthorized use of a domain for sending emails helps organizations maintain their reputation and customer trust.

Navigating The Complexities with ABP Cyber Email Security Program

The new mandates extends beyond the mere implementation of authentication policies at the email gateway. The challenge compounds when considering the myriad of transactional emails that emanate from various applications or third-party partners, acting on your organization’s behalf. Such emails, if not properly authenticated, pose a significant risk to your organization’s email reputation and, by extension, its overall cybersecurity posture.

Our Email Security Program covers a holistic approach to secure your email communications: from the initial assessment to identify sources of potentials, to recommendations of suitable solutions, deployment as well as on-going management and programs to keep your organization ahead of the curve

Conclusion