Campminder is adapting to the recent changes in email security protocols. Gmail, AOL, Yahoo, and similar major email domains have begun implementing "Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance" (DMARC) to help users and providers better secure emails.
These new email security updates make things safer for everyone, but they also present some limits on sending emails. This article will help you understand how these changes affect sending messages in Campminder, and strategies and support for handling these changes smoothly.
Note: These updates will primarily impact "Bulk Senders", or those who send 5,000+ messages daily to major email services like Gmail and Yahoo. This applies even if such high-volume sending occurs just once a year.
There are several reasons why a DMARC record on your Camp Domain is beneficial:
Email Monitoring: All emails from your camp's domain are monitored to make sure they're verified properly. This helps keep your camp's email communication reliable and secure.
Spam Safety: Safeguard your camp's reputation by blocking counterfeit (spam) messages. This protects your camp's image and trustworthiness in the eyes of parents and staff!
Improved Security: Guard your camp against phishing scams to keep your organization safe. This is key to ensuring a secure online space for everyone in your camp community!
Email Deliverability Checklist
✅ Does your camp own a private domain?
✅ Are all of your emails sent from an address associated with this domain?
✅ Has this domain been authenticated or verified in SendGrid?
✅ Is there a DMARC record set up for this domain?
What is DMARC?
In this article, you will learn how to set up your DMARC Record.
This is required if:
You currently use an @gmail/@yaooo/@aol email to send your emails through Campminder. You will need to set up a new Domain and obtain your DMARC record.
Your current email domain does not currently have a DMARC record added.
"DMARC" is a protocol that helps confirm if an email really comes from the sender it claims to. This helps to quickly spot and stop spam and phishing emails. Its goal is to make email communication safer by improving how senders are verified, reducing unwanted emails.
Why Does DMARC stop some emails from going through?
Why Does DMARC stop some emails from going through?
You may observe, or hear from parents, that certain emails are not being delivered. This issue can happen when DMARC finds issue with the email's origin. For instance, if you use a Gmail, AOL, or Yahoo address in the 'From' field but send the email through a different service like SendGrid, DMARC could potentially block these emails.
What happens to emails blocked by DMARC?
What happens to emails blocked by DMARC?
Its important to understand that any email stopped by DMARC is lost and counted as a Block.
Why does my camp email domain need a DMARC record?
Why does my camp email domain need a DMARC record?
Campminder uses a service called SendGrid to dispatch emails for you. This means, when you send an email via the Campminder system, families receive it as if it were directly from you, not from Campminder.
To ensure this process runs smoothly, we use specific records to assure your email server of our legitimacy. DMARC records add an extra layer of security and ensure reliable delivery, especially vital when sending large volumes of emails!
Create a Camp Domain
If you are sending emails from a personal account (@gmail, @yahoo, @aol) this will no longer be supported and you need to create a new camp domain.
Contact an IT / webpage professional familiar with your Camp if you need clarification on this process. You will no longer be able to send emails from a personal account with DMARC protocols in place.
The email above is a personal email, and is NO LONGER SUPPORTED with new protocols.
Note: This rule does not affect those camps using camp-specific email domains hosted by Gmail, such as enterprise or work accounts.
Create a new Domain. You need to create a new domain if you are currently using an @gmail, @yahoo, @aol personal email for your camp.
💡Tip: Many camps setup a Domain specific to their organization (i.e. @Campcolorado). Every user in your system will need to send from the domain under "User Permissions".
After setting up your new camp domain, please open a support ticket to inform us. We'll then provide you with new DNS and DMARC records to implement on your server.
Set Email User permissions to your camp domain
Once you have your camp Domain set up and your DMARC record is complete, you will need to edit user permissions.
Set up all system users with a return email tied to your private domain so that when they send emails, you have the best deliverability. All users sending email within your system should be entered into the system using your camp's Domain.
📖 Related Help Materials:
Create a DMARC Record
All emails sent from private camp Email Domains (i.e. “name@campminder.com”) should be verified in SendGrid and have a DMARC record.
For your emails to be delivered, they must meet DMARC Alignment Requirements and you need to have a DMARC record set up in your domain's DNS settings.
Check the status of your domains DMARC record.
💡 Tip: You can verify DMARC status using a number of webtools.
Example: DMARC Record Checker
If you don’t have a DMARC record, you will need to create (install) one.
💡Tip: If you’re unsure on this process, you might want to check in with someone who helps your camp with IT or manages your website. If your domain already has a DMARC record, you're set! No need for a new one.
Nearly every DMARC record starts with a monitor-only mode of p=none. Setting a DMARC policy to "p=none" means the domain owner isn't asking email receivers to do anything special if an email fails the DMARC check. This kind of record lets the domain owner get reports on emails using their domain, even if they haven't set up SPF or DKIM yet.
Example DMARC Record:
A DMARC record contains several tags separated by semicolons. Two of the tags are required, v (version) and p (policy).
Note: the p value of “none” is the minimum requirement, you are welcome to implement stricter enforcement.
If you do not already have a DMARC record, you will need to add the record below:
DMARC Record:
Type: TXT
Host: _dmarc.[camp domain].com
Value: v=DMARC1; p=none;
The DMARC record then must be published in your DNS.
Submit a ticket stating that you have a DMARC record, and we will work to verify and confirm.
Campminder Support
If needed, Campminder Support can provide you with the minimum acceptable DMARC record for you to install. The best way to contact us is through ticket submission.
Check and Create your DMARC record (following instruction above).
Submit a ticket stating that you have installed your DMARC record, and we will work to verify and confirm.
💡Tip: The most effective way to alert our team is by submitting a ticket. This method lets you provide essential details needed for us to replicate the issue, and it enables us to enter information in bulk, which saves time for everyone involved.