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DKIM Lookup (Keys, Selectors, Rotation Tips)

Discover and validate DKIM selectors, check key length and rotation hygiene with actionable security advice.

Check DKIM configuration for your domain

DKIM Basics

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) uses cryptographic signatures to verify that emails haven't been tampered with in transit.

Cryptographic Keys

Public/private key pairs ensure email authenticity

Digital Signatures

Detects tampering and verifies sender identity

Selectors

Named keys allow multiple DKIM keys per domain

Key Rotation

Regular key updates improve security posture

DKIM Selector Probe

Enter a domain above to discover DKIM selectors

Key Length & Rotation Best Practices

Maintain strong DKIM security with proper key management.

Key Length Recommendations

1024-bit Keys

Deprecated - upgrade to 2048-bit for better security

2048-bit Keys

Recommended standard - good balance of security and performance

4096-bit Keys

Maximum security - may have compatibility issues

Rotation Schedule

Regular Rotation

Rotate DKIM keys every 6-12 months for optimal security

Gradual Rollover

Keep old keys active for 48-72 hours during transition

Selector Naming

Use date-based selectors (2024-01, 2024-07) for easy tracking

DKIM Alignment Tips

Ensure DKIM works properly with DMARC for maximum protection.

Domain Alignment

DKIM signature domain (d=) should align with the From header domain for DMARC compliance.

From: noreply@example.com
DKIM-Signature: d=example.com (✓ Aligned)

Relaxed vs Strict Alignment

Configure DMARC alignment mode based on your email setup:

Relaxed (adkim=r)
Allows subdomains to pass alignment
Strict (adkim=s)
Requires exact domain match

Multiple Signatures

Use multiple DKIM signatures for redundancy and different services:

DKIM-Signature: d=example.com; s=google; ...
DKIM-Signature: d=example.com; s=mailgun; ...

Run a Full Email Security Audit

Check DKIM, SPF, DMARC, MTA-STS, and more in one comprehensive scan

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about DKIM selectors and key management.

What selector name should I use?

Common selectors include 'default', 'google', 'k1', 's1', or date-based like '2024-01'. Use descriptive names that help with key rotation and management. Many email services use their own naming conventions (e.g., Google uses 'google', Mailgun uses 'k1').

Is 1024-bit DKIM key length enough?

While 1024-bit keys are still widely accepted, 2048-bit keys provide better security and are recommended for new implementations. Most modern email providers support 2048-bit keys. Consider upgrading 1024-bit keys during your next rotation cycle.

How often should I rotate DKIM keys?

Rotate DKIM keys every 6-12 months for optimal security. During rotation, keep the old key active for 48-72 hours to ensure emails in transit can still be verified. Use date-based selector names to track rotation schedules easily.

Can I have multiple DKIM selectors?

Yes, you can have multiple DKIM selectors per domain. This is useful for different email services, key rotation, or redundancy. Each selector points to a different public key, allowing you to sign emails with different keys based on the service or configuration.

What if DKIM selector lookup fails?

If a DKIM selector lookup fails, the key might not exist, DNS propagation might be incomplete, or there could be DNS configuration issues. Check your DNS provider settings, verify the selector name, and ensure the TXT record is properly formatted.