BUI deploys DMARC standard to improve e-mail security for its customers

BUI will implement the DMARC e-mail security standard for its existing customers, free of charge, by the end of June 2020.

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) is an e-mail authentication system designed to protect an e-mail domain from cyber attackers who may try to compromise the owner, brand or business through domain spoofing, phishing or cyber fraud.

Created by PayPal, together with Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and other industry leaders, the DMARC protocol leverages two existing e-mail authentication techniques – SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – while adding a reporting function that provides visibility into the domain owner’s e-mail ecosystem.

“As a domain owner, you want to have peace of mind about the e-mails that are being sent under your banner,” explains BUI Head of Marketing Handre van der Merwe. “You want to know that your staff, customers, partners and suppliers are receiving legitimate e-mails from real representatives of your organisation, not scammers impersonating you or your people. DMARC assures all those who receive your e-mails that the messages are authentic and trustworthy – and that they originated from your true domain.”

There were an estimated 3.9 billion active e-mail users last year – and that number is expected to reach 4.2 billion by 2022. “We rely on e-mail,” continues Van Der Merwe. “It’s a big part of our personal and professional lives – but it’s also an information-rich environment that attracts malicious actors. For cyber criminals, the ability to mimic a business through e-mail is extremely valuable, and could open the door to data theft, identity theft and account fraud."

DMARC adoption is increasing worldwide

More than a million organisations – including Amazon, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter – are already using DMARC to help secure their e-mail. “DMARC is considered best practice by industry leaders around the globe,” says Van Der Merwe. “By deploying DMARC for our customers, we’re making sure that they have comprehensive e-mail protection, in compliance with the latest standards.”

To do so seamlessly, BUI has enlisted the help of technology startup Sendmarc. This South African company, co-founded by entrepreneurs Keith Thompson, Sam Hutchinson, and Sacha Matulovich, specialises in DMARC implementation and monitoring. “Simply put, Sendmarc’s software gathers, interprets and analyses DMARC data reports to provide actionable insights for the domain owner,” says Van Der Merwe. “It takes a complex collection of technical data and makes it clear, visual and easy to understand. Domain owners can then see exactly what’s happening in their e-mail environments and take steps to address any issues detected.”

With phishing playing a role in over 90% of all cyber attacks, Van Der Merwe believes it’s more important than ever for domain owners to be proactive about e-mail security. “Businesses cannot afford to ignore the fact that cyber attackers are constantly searching for new ways to steal money, personal information, credit card data, and login credentials. The e-mail landscape is, unfortunately, a prime attack zone. You have to be responsible about defending it,” he concludes.

BUI customers will be contacted regarding the implementation of the DMARC standard this month. Further information is available on the BUI DMARC Web page.