How DMARC supports GDPR compliance & strengthens data protection

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is one of the most comprehensive data privacy laws in the world. Implemented in May 2018, it mandates that organizations handling the personal data of European Union (EU) residents use technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

One often overlooked risk in data protection is email security. Cybercriminals frequently use phishing, spoofing, and email fraud to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This is where Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) plays a crucial role. By configuring DMARC, Sender Policy Framework (SPF), and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), businesses can significantly enhance their email security posture, reduce the risk of data breaches, and support GDPR compliance.

Strengthened email security

Under GDPR Article 32, companies must implement measures that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data.

By enforcing DMARC policies, businesses can:

Block unauthorized emails attempting to use their domain
Decrease phishing attacks that target employees, customers, and stakeholders
Reduce the risk of personal data being compromised through impersonation emails

Email sources & third-party visibility

GDPR compliance requires organizations to monitor and control how personal data is processed. Companies often work with third-party vendors that send emails on their behalf, such as marketing platforms and customer service tools. Without proper visibility, these services could become a weak link in data security.

With DMARC implementation, companies gain detailed email authentication reports that help:

Identify unauthorized or misconfigured third-party senders
Ensure that only approved vendors are authorized to send emails on behalf of the business
Maintain compliance with GDPR Article 28, which requires businesses to enforce contracts with third-party data processors

Reduced data breaches

GDPR mandates that organizations report data breaches within 72 hours of detection. But, many breaches start with compromised email accounts due to phishing and impersonation attacks. By implementing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, businesses can proactively prevent email-related breaches before they happen.

Organizations that use DMARC can:

Reduce the likelihood of data breaches caused by fraudulent emails
Ensure compliance with GDPR reporting requirements by monitoring email security threats
Minimize reputational and financial risks associated with non-compliance

As cyberthreats evolve, email security must be a top priority for organizations subject to GDPR. Implementing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM not only helps prevent phishing and spoofing attacks but also strengthens compliance with GDPR by securing personal data from unauthorized access.

With a properly enforced DMARC policy, businesses can:

Protect sensitive customer and employee data
Maintain visibility into all email activity with their domain
Strengthen GDPR compliance by reducing the risk of email-related breaches

Is your business ready to secure its email domain and achieve GDPR compliance? Sendmarc provides industry-leading solutions to help organizations implement DMARC, SPF, and DKIM effortlessly. Contact us today to enhance your company’s email security and compliance strategy.

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