DKIM Signing in PrestaShop: What It Is and Why You Need It

In today's world, where the volume of email is growing daily, it is crucial to ensure that your emails reach their recipients and do not end up in the "Spam" folder. One of the methods to protect your emails is DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), a technology that ensures the integrity and authenticity of sent messages. Today, we will explore what DKIM is, why it is necessary, and how to set it up in PrestaShop.

What is DKIM?

DKIM is an email authentication method that allows the sender to "sign" their messages with a digital signature. This signature is added to the header of each sent email and is verified by the receiving server. If the signature matches the expected value, the email is considered authentic and is unlikely to be marked as spam.

Why is DKIM necessary?

1. Increase trust in your emails: Signed emails appear more trustworthy to receiving servers and email clients, reducing the likelihood that your email will end up in spam.
2. Protection against phishing and spoofing: DKIM helps prevent attacks where malicious actors try to send emails on behalf of your domain. The recipient can verify the sender's authenticity.
3. Message integrity: DKIM signatures ensure that the email has not been altered during transmission from sender to recipient.

Domain Sender Addresses: Why Are They Important?

For DKIM to work, it's essential to use domain sender addresses, meaning addresses that belong to your own domain (e.g., info@yourdomain.com). This is important for several reasons:

1. Manageability and control: You control all settings of your domain, including DKIM, allowing for more flexible and reliable email protection configuration.
2. Increased trust: Emails sent from domain addresses look more professional and trustworthy to recipients than those from free email services.
3. Improved reputation: Consistent use of domain addresses and proper DKIM configuration helps improve your domain's reputation among email services, enhancing email deliverability.

How to Set Up DKIM in PrestaShop 8

Starting from version 8, DKIM setup is available directly from the PrestaShop admin panel. However, you'll need to use an external service to generate the keys. Here is an example of how to set up DKIM in PrestaShop 8.

Example of Setting Up DKIM in PrestaShop 8

1. Generate the keys:

   • First, you need to generate a pair of keys (public and private). You can use online services such as DKIMCore.
   • On the key generation page, select the key length (2048 bits is recommended) and click "Generate Keys."
   • Copy the generated public and private keys.

2. Add the DNS record:

   • Go to the DNS settings of your domain (this option is usually available from your hosting provider).
   • Add a new TXT record with your public key. Example:
     Type: TXT Name: default._domainkey.yourdomain.com Value: v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY

3. Configure the mail server:

   • In the PrestaShop admin panel, go to "Shop Parameters" > "Email."
   • Select the "DKIM Settings" tab.
   • Paste the private key into the appropriate field.
   • Enable the "Enable DKIM" option.
   • Save the changes.

Conclusion

Setting up DKIM in PrestaShop is an essential step towards protecting your email and improving email deliverability. By using domain sender addresses and correctly configuring DKIM, you can significantly increase the trust recipients place in your emails and protect your domain from abuse. Remember to periodically check and update the settings to maintain their relevance and effectiveness.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the setup, you can always reach out to specialists or use detailed instructions available online. Good luck with your email endeavors and successful mailings!