Quick summary
- Term
- SPF
- Plain-English definition
- SPF is an email authentication mechanism that lists which servers are allowed to send email for a domain.
- Technical definition
- SPF is an email authentication mechanism that lists which servers are allowed to send email for a domain.
- Commonly confused with
- Related domain, DNS, registrar, API, or agent-infrastructure terms.
- Related terms
- TXT Record, DKIM, DMARC
Definition
SPF is an email authentication mechanism that lists which servers are allowed to send email for a domain.
Why it matters
SPF helps receiving mail systems detect unauthorized senders.