A step-by-step guide on “How to Publish a DMARC Record with AWS Route 53

Publishing a DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) record with AWS Route 53 is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Log into Your AWS Management Console

  1. Visit the AWS Website: Open your web browser and go to AWS Management Console.
  2. Login: Click on the “Sign In to the Console” button located at the top right corner of the homepage.
  3. Enter Credentials: Enter your registered email/username and password, then click “Sign In.”

Step 2: Access Route 53

  1. Navigate to Route 53: In the AWS Management Console, use the search bar at the top to type “Route 53” and select it from the dropdown list.
  2. Dashboard: You will be directed to the Route 53 dashboard.

Step 3: Access Hosted Zones

  1. Hosted Zones: In the Route 53 dashboard, click on “Hosted zones” in the left-hand navigation menu. This will show a list of all the hosted zones (domains) you have set up in Route 53.
  2. Select the Domain: Find the domain for which you want to add a DMARC record and click on its name to manage its DNS settings.

Step 4: Add a New DMARC Record

  1. Create Record: In the hosted zone details page, click on the “Create record” button to start adding a new DNS record.
  2. Select Record Type: In the form that appears, select “TXT” from the dropdown menu as the type of DNS record you want to add.

Step 5: Add a DNS TXT record, or modify an existing record, by entering your record in the TXT record for _dmarc :

TXT record name: In the first field, under the DNS Host name, enter: _dmarc.yourdomainname.com

Important: Some domain hosts automatically add the domain name after _dmarc. After you add the TXT record, verify the DMARC TXT record name to ensure it’s formatted correctly.

TXT record value: In the second field, enter the text for your DMARC record, for example:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomainname.com

The field names might vary depending on your DNS provider. Ensure you replace yourdomainname.com with your actual domain name.

Step 6: Save the DNS Record

  1. Save Changes: After entering all necessary details, click “Save” or “Add Record.”

Step 7:Verify the DMARC Record:

It may take some time for the DMARC record to propagate. You can verify its proper publication using a DMARC record checker tool or AWS Route 53’s own DNS lookup feature.

Step 8.Monitor and Adjust:

Regularly review your DMARC reports and, if necessary, adjust your DMARC policy to improve email authentication and security.

Please note that the specific steps and terminology may vary slightly within the DNS AWS Route 53 interface. If you encounter any difficulties or if their interface has been updated, it’s advisable to consult AWS Route 53 documentation or support resources for further guidance.

Step 9 : Propagate DNS Changes

  1. Wait for Propagation: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.
  2. Check Propagation: You can use online tools like DNSChecker.org to see if your new DNS record has propagated.