In the ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring email security and building brand trust are essential for organisations. BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is a groundbreaking email authentication standard that enhances security while increasing brand visibility and trust. Built upon the foundational email security protocol, DMARC, BIMI adds an additional layer of protection while showcasing verified brand logos in email communications.
This article delves into what BIMI is, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for both security and brand management.
What is BIMI?
A New Standard for Secure Email Authentication
BIMI is an emerging email specification designed to enhance both security and brand visibility. It allows organisations to display their verified logo next to their email messages on supported platforms. By ensuring these logos are authenticated and protected, BIMI builds trust and ensures consistency in branding.
When implemented correctly, BIMI ensures your logo is securely verified through DNS TXT records, preventing unauthorised use and reinforcing your organisation’s credibility.
How does BIMI work?
BIMI integrates seamlessly into existing email authentication protocols. Here’s how it operates:
- Email Authentication: The sender’s email must first pass SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) checks.
- BIMI Text File: A BIMI-specific text file, stored on the sender’s server, includes information about the logo and its storage location.
- Verification: Once authenticated, the recipient’s email service retrieves the sender’s verified logo and displays it alongside the email.
Requirements for BIMI:
- A DMARC policy set to quarantine or reject.
- Verified logo files in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format.
- A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), which, though optional currently, will become mandatory in the future.
How is BIMI built on DMARC?
DMARC serves as the backbone of email security, ensuring that only authenticated emails are delivered to recipients. BIMI builds on this foundation, requiring organisations to implement DMARC policies that reject or quarantine unauthorised emails.
By leveraging DMARC, BIMI creates a robust framework that not only prevents phishing and spoofing attacks but also reinforces trust in email communications by displaying authenticated brand logos.
Benefits of BIMI implementation
Enhanced Security
BIMI significantly reduces the risk of impersonation and phishing attacks. By requiring DMARC authentication and verified logos, BIMI helps businesses safeguard against Business Email Compromise (BEC) and unauthorised use of brand assets.
Strengthened Brand Trust
Displaying a verified logo in emails assures recipients that the communication is legitimate. This not only builds trust but also enhances the credibility of your organisation.
Increased Visibility
With a standardised logo appearing in email inboxes, your brand stands out among thousands of messages, increasing engagement and awareness.
How to implement BIMI
BIMI implementation requires a structured approach:
- Set Up DMARC: Ensure your organisation has SPF, DKIM, and a DMARC policy enforced to quarantine or reject unauthorised emails.
- Prepare Your Logo: Create a verified logo in SVG format. It must be square, free of additional text, and securely stored via HTTPS.
- Get a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC): While currently optional, acquiring a VMC will soon be mandatory for BIMI compliance.
- Update DNS Records: Publish your BIMI text file on DNS to complete the setup.
Why BIMI is the future of email security
BIMI represents a major step forward in email security and brand management. By combining robust authentication with enhanced visibility, it bridges the gap between trust and engagement in email communications.
As adoption grows, BIMI is poised to become an essential tool for organisations looking to secure their email channels and boost brand recognition. Early implementation ensures you’re ahead of the curve, ready to adapt to the evolving landscape of email communication.
Final thoughts
The integration of BIMI with DMARC is a significant development in email authentication. By offering enhanced security and strengthening brand identity, BIMI empowers organisations to combat sophisticated cyber threats while increasing their visibility.
As email remains a critical communication channel, BIMI provides a vital solution for organisations prioritising both security and brand value in today’s digital world.
