A Domain Name System (DNS) TXT record is a fundamental component used in configuring email and Webhosting is needed. Unfortunately, many users are unsure what exactly it means and how to set it correctly. In this Article We will explain to you step by step how to configure DNS TXT entries correctly and avoid errors!
What is a DNS TXT record?
A pair of DNS TXT record is a record stored in the Domain Name System (DNS) that contains information about a specific domain. TXT stands for »text«, as these entries are usually saved as text.
Most DNS records are A Records, the IP addresses of Domains to save. DNS However, TXT records can also contain other types of information, such as: B. Information about the publisher of the Domain, registrant contact details or encryption information.
Recently, DNS TXT records have been widely used to store security information about a domain, such as: B. whether it is encrypted with HTTPS or not.
How do I create a DNS TXT record?
What is a DNS TXT record used for?
A DNS TXT record is primarily used for Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is used. SPF is an anti-spam system that focuses on authenticating email senders. Many companies and organizations use SPF to ensure that their E-mails not be sent by spammers or other unwanted sources.
How to avoid errors when creating a DNS TXT record
When creating a DNS TXT record, the following are often used Error made:
Entry will be not correctly in the correct DNS zone entered.
This entry has not the right type (TXT or CNAME).
The value for the Entry is incorrect.
The entry will not formatted correctly.
Hostnameunder which the entry should be created is incorrect.
String that is in TXT record should be included too long.
Entry was made under the wrong domain name created.
The different types of DNS TXT records
TXT records can be used for many different purposes. This article explains the most common types of DNS TXT records and shows how to set them up correctly.
SPF records:
SPF records (Sender Policy Framework) are used to prevent other people or organizations from sending mail on behalf of your domain. This is a very useful entry that can help make it harder for spammers to access your domain. To set up an SPF record for your domain, you must first create a list of the IP addresses and/or create hostnames that are authorized to send mail on behalf of your domain. This list must then be stored as a TXT entry in your DNS zone.
DKIM entries:
DKIM entries (Domain Keys Identified Mail) are used to ensure that emails from your domain are authentic and genuine. This entry consists of a public key that is stored as a TXT entry in your DNS zone. To set up the DKIM record for your domain, you first need a public key. You can either get this from your email provider or create it yourself using special ones Tools. The Key must then be stored as a TXT entry in your DNS zone.
DMARC entries:
DMARC entries (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) are used to prevent emails from your domain from being sent without authorization. DMARC also allows you to get information about the Success or failure to authenticate your emails. To set up a DMARC record for your domain, you first need to create an XML file with special instructions and store it as a TXT record in your DNS zone.
SRV entries:
SRV entries (Service Records) are used to access certain services servers to find and use within your network. These entries are typically used for VoIP telephony, email and other services. To set up an SRV record for your domain, you need to provide the necessary information (such as service, Minutes, server address and port) in a special format as a TXT entry in your DNS zone.
CAA entries:
CAA entries (Certification Authority Authorization) are used to determine which certificate authorities are authorized to issue SSL/TLS certificates for your domain. This is a necessary entry that can help ensure your Website remains protected from malicious attacks. To set up a CAA record for your domain, you must store a list of certification authorities as a TXT record in your DNS zone.
More DNS TXT records:
There are many other DNS TXT records that can be used for various purposes. Some examples are Canonical Name Record (CNAME) records, Pointer Record (PTR) records, and vCard records (Virtual card). To set up these records in your DNS zone, you must store the necessary information in a special format as a TXT record.
Advantages and disadvantages of a DNS TXT record
A DNS TXT record is a small text sent to a Domain is appended and information about the domain contains. This entry can be used, for example, to confirm the owner of the domain or to provide contact information.
- Verification:
A DNS TXT record can be used to verify the authenticity of a domain or an email address. - SPF data: A DNS TXT record can be used to provide Sender Policy Framework (SPF) data indicating which Server & Hosting to send legitimate email traffic from a specific domain.
- DMARC data:
A DNS TXT record can be used to provide Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC) data, which informs the recipient of an email how to handle email that does not come from an authorized one servers come from. - Startup TLS support: A DNS TXT record can be used to provide startup TLS support for a Server & Hosting to provide encrypted transport of email messages.
- Other Applications:
A DNS TXT record can also be used for other applications, such as authenticating domain ownership, transferring security certificates, or transferring information about a specific application or service.
- Management: A DNS TXT record must be managed carefully because Error in the data can lead to important functions, such as checking the authenticity of a domain or the transmission of email messages, no longer working.
- Overload:
A DNS TXT record can also become overloaded under high load, which can result in requests being answered more slowly or even incorrectly. - Privacy Policy:
Because a DNS TXT record is publicly available, it can raise privacy concerns, especially when providing sensitive information. - Compatibility Issues:
Some systems and applications may have problems processing DNS TXT records, which may lead to compatibility issues. - Security Risks:
If a DNS TXT record is not carefully secured, it can easily be manipulated by malicious actors, which can lead to security risks.
Conclusion
The biggest mistake people make when configuring their DNS TXT record is that they don't know what they are doing. This results in them creating either an incorrect or invalid TXT record. Both can cause problems with your Website .
When configuring DNS TXT records, make sure you know what you are doing. Find out about the different options and choose the one that best suits you Website fits. Also make sure to enter the correct value.
