Protocol Comparison
SPF Alone Is Not Mail Policy
SPF authorizes senders. DMARC defines policy and reporting when alignment fails — buyers expect both on mail-enabled brands.
Methodology: each matrix dimension is written for factual comparability, parser clarity, and operational decision support for domain-intelligence engineering teams.
| Dimension | SPF-only review | DMARC + SPF audit |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Sender authorization only. | Policy, alignment, and reporting addresses. |
| Risk | Misses forged From headers that pass SPF. | Surfaces alignment failures explicitly. |
Implementation guidance
- Always read _dmarc TXT.
- Pair with MX record review.
Related deep dives
FAQ
- Can I skip DMARC on parked domains?
- If mail was ever enabled, stale DMARC/SPF still signals operational history.