You Must Be Certified In Compliance With DMARC On Your Business Email.

If your small business accepts credit card payments, you are required to meet the following mandatory security update. The current PCI DSS–Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard version 4.01(we’ll refer to it here as The Standard) requires all businesses to implement DMARC by March 31, 2025. DMARC stands for “Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance”—it’s a protocol for email security. 

After this date, all Qualified Security Assessors (QSA’s) who validate your compliance with The Standard are required to check for the proper configuration of DMARC security on your business email domain. 

Let’s explore what this means for your small business in simple terms.

Understanding The Standard and Its Importance

The Standard is a set of security rules created to protect customer credit card information.  When your small business accepts credit card payments in any way, these rules apply to you. Being out of compliance with The Standard results in costly penalties. It is business critical to understand and follow The Standard.  

For example, the Requirement (number 5.4.1.) in The Standard mandates automated phishing protection. 

  On page 132 The Standard states:

“When developing anti-phishing controls, entities are encouraged to consider a combination of approaches. For example, using anti-spoofing controls such as Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC), Sender Policy Framework (SPF), and Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM) will help stop phishers from spoofing the entity’s domain and impersonating personnel.”

What is DMARC?

DMARC is a strong security measure protecting the integrity of your business emails. Here’s an overview of its key functions:

Impersonation Prevention
DMARC effectively blocks Internet Criminals from sending emails that appear to originate from your business domain, ensuring only authorized communications reach your recipients.

Authentication Process
By implementing DMARC, you provide email servers with the tools to verify your incoming emails. This process ensures that only messages from your authenticated sources are accepted as legitimate, while rejecting emails from unauthenticated sources.

Trust Building
DMARC protects your business and enhances recipient confidence that communications from your domain are genuine and trustworthy.

Properly configured and monitored DMARC services protect, authenticate, and deliver your business domain emails.

The Reason Behind Mandatory DMARC

Email compromises are increasing as Internet Criminals utilize more sophisticated methods to trick individuals into divulging financial information. In May 2024, the FBI San Francisco office warned about the increasing threats.  Here is the quote:

“As technology continues to evolve, so do cybercriminals’ tactics. Attackers are leveraging AI [Artificial Intelligence] to craft highly convincing voice or video messages and emails to enable fraud schemes against individuals and businesses alike,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “These sophisticated tactics can result in devastating financial losses, reputational damage, and compromise of sensitive data.”  

In response to increasing threats, the PCI Security Standards Council is mandating DMARC as part of The Standard to strengthen protection for businesses and their clients credit card data.

Which Businesses Need to Comply with The Standard?

• Any business accepting credit card payments
• Any business storing customer card information
• Any third-party service providers handling payment data
• Any business using systems connecting to payment processing

The requirement to be in compliance with The Standard is irrespective of the size of the business–from small shops to large corporations.

What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?

Not being in compliance with The Standard impacts your small business with: 

• Money Penalties: Your business could face fines anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000, devastating for a small operation.
• Business Risk: Without proper protection, Internet Criminals will be able to pretend to be your business in emails, fooling your clients.
• Poor Email Performance: Your important business emails are marked as junk because email providers don’t trust your domain.  Your clients don’t see your emails.
• Damaged Reputation: Spam complaints pile up and your business email gets “blacklisted”.  This prevents your email from being delivered.

How DMARC Benefits Your Small Business

DMARC brings key advantages:

• Stops Email Scams: Blocks fake emails and phishing attempts that could harm your business and clients.
• Better Email Delivery: Makes sure your legitimate business emails actually reach your clients.
• Stronger Security: Helps you see who’s using your email domain and stops unauthorized senders.
• Protects Your Business Name: Prevents scammers from impersonating your business, keeping customer trust intact.
• Meets Compliance Requirements: Keeps you in line with The Standard and other email security rules.

Getting Ready for March 31, 2025

1. Start Now: Don’t put this off until the last minute.
2. Learn More: Read The Standard for yourself. Here is the link https://docs-prv.pcisecuritystandards.org/PCI%20DSS/Standard/PCI-DSS-v4_0_1.pdf
3. Scan Your Domain: Check your domain here. See if you are already in compliance with The Standard.  https://compliancespecialistsusa.com/email-security-scanner/
4. Get Help: If technology isn’t your strong point, contact us and we will implement DMARC services for you. Schedule a meeting now. https://keap.page/vs918/dmarc-email-compliance.html