Important Upcoming Changes for Those Sending Bulk Mail from Third-Party Systems
Google and Yahoo have recently announced an important change that will be enforced starting February 2024 regarding requirements for sending bulk mail from third-party mail systems, such as MailChimp, SendPulse, and SendGrid, to gmail.com and yahoo.com accounts. Read Google’s announcement here.
What’s changing?
Google and Yahoo will begin to heavily enforce restrictions, aimed to reduce spamming and spoofing, through new requirements for authentication of emails and correct use of communication protocols.
To send to users using a vcu.edu email using third-party mail systems, Google and Yahoo will require that the emails are authenticated. This often requires adding a “Domain Keys Identified Mail” (DKIM) record.
How do I get a “DKIM Record”?
Fortunately, major mailing platforms often provide explicit documentation for how to do this, or at a minimum their technical support will be aware of what is needed. If you aren’t certain, the best course of action is to first search the documentation for the system. The Collaboration Systems team also has tools to locate this information and is busy identifying these senders.
Sending emails from a subdomain?
If you’re sending emails from a subdomain (e.g. yourdepartment.vcu.edu), this information will still apply and there may be additional steps to take. If you are sending from a subdomain, please keep this in mind when searching for documentation, as the vendor might have separate information to consider, and this information will need to be relayed when you contact our team.
Where do I provide the information when I’ve got it?
The preferred method is through an IT Support ticket by logging in at https://itsupport.vcu.edu/ and submitting your request by searching for “Request DKIM.” Give us the details on what you are using and we’ll take the appropriate steps to assure your email is delivered as expected.
Categories Important Changes