SPF: meaning and explanation
SPF: the meaning
SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. It is a small text record in your DNS that lets the receiving server check whether a message really comes from an authorised server. That makes it harder to abuse your domain for phishing or spam.
Explanation
When a mail server receives mail claiming to come from jouwzaak.be, it checks your SPF record. If the sending server is on the list, that's a good sign; if it isn't, the chance of rejection or a spam label is greater. SPF works best together with DKIM and DMARC. Want to set it up properly right away, then read SPF explained and how to set it up.
Example
You send invoices from jij@jouwzaak.be via the Mailflux servers. Your SPF record states that those servers are allowed to send. A scammer who tries to mail in your name from a different server is exposed during the check.
Why SPF matters
Without SPF, in principle anyone can send mail that supposedly comes from your domain. That makes it easier for scammers to deceive your customers, and it harms the delivery of your own mail. A properly configured SPF record therefore increases both your trustworthiness and the chance that your messages land in the inbox. Do keep the record up to date whenever you change which servers you send mail from.
Related concepts
Want to set it up correctly? SPF explained calmly shows you how to go about it.