Your domain security is only as strong as your DMARC policy. But should you ‘quarantine’ suspicious emails or outright ‘reject’ them? Let’s break it down with real-world insights.
DMARC: Your Domain’s Email Firewall
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is your first line of defense against phishing, spoofing, and email fraud. But setting up a DMARC record is only half the battle—choosing the right policy (p=quarantine vs. p=reject) makes all the difference.
Think of it like this:
🔸 Quarantine = "Place suspicious emails in spam/junk, just in case."
🔸 Reject = "Block bad emails outright. No second chances."
So, which one is the safest option? Let’s get technical. 👨💻
Option 1: p=quarantine – The ‘Caution First’ Approach
📌 How It Works:
If an email fails DMARC, it’s not immediately blocked.
Instead, it lands in the recipient’s spam/junk folder.
This gives mailbox providers a chance to review and flag potential threats without outright rejection.
💡 Pros:
✔️ Reduces the risk of legitimate emails being blocked due to misconfigurations.
✔️ Allows senders to monitor email failures before enforcing stricter policies.
✔️ Good for businesses transitioning into strict DMARC enforcement.
⚠️ Cons:
❌ Attackers can still reach the spam folder—some users may trust and open phishing emails.
❌ Not 100% effective in preventing domain abuse.
Option 2: p=reject – The ‘No Nonsense’ Security Shield
📌 How It Works:
If an email fails DMARC, it is completely rejected.
The email never reaches the recipient’s inbox or spam folder.
Spoofers get shut down immediately—no second chances.
💡 Pros:
✔️ Strongest protection against phishing and domain spoofing.
✔️ Prevents attackers from even landing in spam folders.
✔️ Mailbox providers trust domains with strict policies, improving email reputation.
⚠️ Cons:
❌ Legitimate emails can get blocked if SPF/DKIM is misconfigured.
❌ Requires careful monitoring before full enforcement.
Which Policy Should You Choose?
🔥 If security is your #1 priority → Go with p=reject.
🚀 Best for organizations that fully control their email sources and want to eliminate spoofing.
🚧 If you’re still testing DMARC compliance → Start with p=quarantine.
🔍 Ideal for businesses transitioning into strict enforcement. Monitor reports before making the final move.
How to Change Your DMARC Policy
Modify your DMARC TXT record in your DNS settings:
txtCopyEditv=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:[email protected];
Or, for a less strict approach:
txtCopyEditv=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected];
✅ Pro Tip: Use a DMARC reporting tool (like YourDMARC) to monitor and fine-tune your policy before enforcing p=reject.
Final Verdict: ‘Quarantine’ or ‘Reject’?
🔹 p=quarantine = "Let’s be cautious." 🛑 Emails go to spam.
🔹 p=reject = "No mercy for spoofers!" 🚀 Best security.
📢 Need help implementing DMARC the right way? Get real-time insights and configuration support with YourDMARC’s free tools!