---
title: "DMARC Relaxed Vs Strict Alignment | DuoCircle"
description: "Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance or DMARC alignment verifies that an email message’s ‘From’ header domain aligns with the."
image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png"
canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/dmarc/dmarc-relaxed-vs-strict-alignment/"
---

Quick Answer

DMARC alignment has two modes: relaxed (the default) and strict. Relaxed alignment passes if the From domain shares the same organizational domain as the SPF Return-Path (for SPF) or the DKIM d= value (for DKIM). For example, mail.example.com aligns with example.com under relaxed mode. Strict alignment requires an exact match between the From domain and the authenticating domain. mail.example.com does not align with example.com under strict mode. Configure alignment with the aspf and adkim tags in the DMARC record (s for strict, r for relaxed). Relaxed mode produces fewer false positives, accommodates subdomains and forwarding, and is the right starting point for most organizations. Strict mode tightens spoofing protection but requires every legitimate sender to use the exact From domain, which often catches third-party services. Move from relaxed to strict only after DMARC reports confirm zero false positives at the relaxed setting.

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![DMARC](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/01/spf-record-tester.jpg) 

Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance or [DMARC alignment](/resources/create-dmarc-records) verifies that an email message’s **‘From’ header** domain aligns with the authenticated domain used in the DKIM and SPF protocols. _There are two DMARC alignment modes: SPF identifier alignment and DKIM identifier alignment_.

Let’s find out how DMARC alignment helps [prevent email spoofing](/email-security/reducing-the-risk-of-email-impersonation-attacks-6-email-security-measures-you-need-to-consider/) and [phishing attacks](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/stealthy-asyncrat-malware-attacks-targets-us-infrastructure-for-11-months/) by ensuring that the information in the various authentication mechanisms is consistent.

## What is DMARC Alignment?

DMARC alignment refers to the aligning or matching of domains under various sections of senders’ email headers. It ensures that the domains specified in these authentication mechanisms match the email domain claimed in the **“From” address** of the email.

[DMARC](/email/dmarc) checks the ‘From’ header, the [Return Path address](https://mxtoolbox.com/dmarc/spf/setup/spf-return-path), and the domain name in the DKIM signature when an email is being validated. _If the alignment fails, DMARC policies give instructions to email receivers on handling the non-aligned messages (e.g., mark them as spam or reject them)._ There are three DMARC policies that you can choose from for your email domains and subdomains: **none, quarantine, and reject**.

## How Does the Process of DMARC Alignment Flow?

DMARC works on the basis of SPF and [DKIM results](/email-security/comparison-between-spf-dkim-and-dmarc/) to run authentication checks on emails dispatched from your email domain. So, when a message is sent from your domain, **SPF verifies its Return Path** and DKIM validates the **encrypted signature** at the recipient’s end. These checks occur independently and using two different domains. 

_It’s necessary for a message to pass **at least one of the checks** to achieve DMARC alignment._ 

However, there is a minor concern. Basically, anyone on the internet (including malicious actors) can buy a domain and set up SPF and DKIM, which means they can send an email using a domain name that is the same as your organization in the ‘From’ address and have their own domain’s Return Path bypass [SPF authentication](/content/spf-records) checks. Since an email receiver typically observes only the “From” address part and not the Return Path, they may remain **unaware of any inconsistency** between the two.

## DMARC Alignment Types

DMARC alignment bolsters [email security](/) by establishing a protocol for how emails from a domain should be managed if they don’t pass authentication checks upon delivery. This step enhances not only the safety but also the reliability of email communication, which is an integral part of modern digital interaction. Here are the two types based on the level of **security, severity, and feedback details** by the server of a recipient:

### DMARC Relaxed Alignment

Configuring relaxed alignment for SPF and DKIM means the overall DMARC implementation is also set to relaxed. The SPF relaxed alignment mode allows for a pass if either the “Return-Path” domain (envelope sender) or the “From” header domain aligns with the domain in the [SPF record](/resources/spf-records). This means that as long as **one of these domains** **matches**, the SPF check passes.

On the other hand, when DKIM is set to relaxed mode, the [DKIM signature](https://documentation.mapp.com/1.0/en/dkim-signature-12570662.html) is considered aligned only when the **signing domain and the ‘From’ header domain match**. This match is possible with forwarded or modified emails as well. 

Overall, the relaxed alignment is **lenient and more forgiving**, which is why it accommodates legitimate emails that are forwarded or have undergone [mail lists](https://www.podia.com/wiki/all-terms/email-list) that modify the headers.

An email passes [DMARC authentication](/resources/dmarc-authentication-checklist) checks in the relaxed mode when a message’s **header domain** accommodates either of the alignment conditions.

[![ DMARC authentication checks](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/01/email-smtp-service.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/01/email-smtp-service.jpg)

### DMARC Strict Alignment

_Configuring strict alignment for SPF and DKIM means the overall [DMARC implementation](/dmarc/how-to-boost-your-email-deliverability-rates-using-dmarc/) is also set to strict._ 

The strict SPF alignment mode requires an exact match between the domain in the “Return-Path” (envelope sender) and the domain in the “From” header. If there is any difference, the **SPF check fails**.

In strict alignment for [DKIM](/resources/what-is-dkim), the DKIM signature must have an exact match with the “From” header domain. _Any discrepancy results in a failed DKIM alignment._

Strict alignment provides a **higher level of security** by requiring precise matches, and it is suitable for organizations that want to minimize the risk of [domain spoofing](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ssl/what-is-domain-spoofing/#:~:text=Domain%20spoofing%20is%20when%20cyber,as%20if%20it%20were%20legitimate.).

## DMARC Relaxed Vs Strict Alignment- Which Mode is Better?

The answer to this depends on the [email infrastructure](/email-security/setting-up-your-new-businesss-email-infrastructure-email-security/) and the size of your organization. Another factor to consider is **how many false positives** your business model can tolerate without experiencing a major impact. 

Imagine an online store that sends a lot of emails. For regular marketing emails, it’s not a very big deal if some of the messages undergo [false positives](https://www.nospamproxy.de/en/what-is-a-false-positive-and-what-is-a-false-negative/) and get **mistakenly marked as spam**. But it’s a different story when it comes to emails from the customer service team, like answering questions about orders or refunds.

For instance, if a customer asks about their order’s shipping status and the reply accidentally ends up in the spam folder or bounces back, the customer might think the company isn’t responding. This can hurt the company’s reputation because customers expect **reliable communication**. So, managing these situations is crucial for any company’s image and effectiveness.

That’s why there’s no fixed answer to ‘which is the better alignment mode’- at the end of the day, it’s your operation style and **domain’s maturity** that help you take the call.

_The relaxed mode is more flexible and produces fewer false positives, making it a suitable choice for organizations with multiple email systems or services sending emails on their behalf._ However, its **lenient nature** allows some of the spoofing and [phishing emails](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/phishing-emails-soar-237-black/) to bypass the authentication filter at recipients’ ends.

On the flip side, the strict model allows only those messages to pass the authentication checks whose domain in the ‘From’ header exactly matches the one mentioned in [SPF](/resources/what-is-spf) and DKIM. The strictness **prevents phishing** and [spoofing attacks](https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366546952/Rise-in-fraudsters-spoofing-the-websites-of-leading-UK-banks) to a great extent, and in an attempt to do that, many genuine emails are falsely tagged as illegitimate. That’s why the person or team in charge of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC has to **be extra attentive with configurations**, evaluations, and updates.

## Impact of Email Forwarding on DMARC Alignment

[![Email forwarding](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/01/SMTP-email-9176.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/01/SMTP-email-9176.jpg)

[Email forwarding](/email/email-forwarding) is a common practice; however, it stands as a **challenge for DMARC alignment** because the ‘From’ header gets changed to the forwarding server’s address, and new elements are added to the email content. As a result, there are SPF and DKIM alignment failures since the original ‘Mail From’ domain identity doesn’t match the modified bounce address, and the message content is altered.

## Final Words

It becomes easier to make informed and strategical adjustments to SPF, DKIM, and DMARC and their alignment modes when the team regularly and frequently monitors [DMARC reports](/content/dmarc-report). _It’s suggested to **start with the relaxed** alignment mode and shift to the strict mode when the number of false positives becomes null or minimal._

## Topics

DMARCemail securityUpdates 

![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) 

Brad Slavin 

General Manager

General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio.

## Secure your email infrastructure

Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution.

[Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) 

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