Email and trust

SPF

The list of servers allowed to send your email.

UPDATED 3 SEPTEMBER 2026

What is SPF?

SPF (sender policy framework) is a public record on a domain listing which servers are permitted to send email in its name. Receiving servers check it. On its own it is weak, because forwarding breaks it; with DKIM and DMARC it is one third of a proper defence.

What it means for a small service business

Most domains have one because the email provider insisted. The common fault is a record that ends by letting everything through, or one that lists five providers from previous suppliers who no longer exist.

Does your business need to do anything about SPF?

Check it. It should list only your current email provider and any tool that genuinely sends as you.

See also

Act on it

The tools and guides that deal with SPF on this website, then the free review if you want it looked at properly.

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