--- title: "Sender Policy Framework Risk Exposures in 2024 | AutoSPF" description: "Sender Policy Framework is an email authentication protocol that allows a domain owner to publish an SPF record corresponding to their name." image: "https://autospf.com/og/blog/sender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024.png" canonical: "https://autospf.com/blog/sender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024/" --- Quick Answer Sender Policy Framework is an email authentication protocol that allows a domain owner to publish an SPF record corresponding to their name. This SPF record includes a list of IPaddresses and mail servers that the domain owner officially authorizes to be used for sending emails from. Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fsender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Sender%20Policy%20Framework%20Risk%20Exposures%20in%202024&url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fsender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fsender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fsender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024%2F&title=Sender%20Policy%20Framework%20Risk%20Exposures%20in%202024 "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=Sender%20Policy%20Framework%20Risk%20Exposures%20in%202024&body=Check out this article: https%3A%2F%2Fautospf.com%2Fblog%2Fsender-policy-framework-risk-exposures-in-2024%2F "Share via Email") ![Sender Policy Framework](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2024/05/spf-checker-3654.jpg) Sender Policy Framework is an \[email authentication\](/spf-too-many-dns-lookups/spf-lookup/) protocol that allows a domain owner to publish an SPF record corresponding to their name. This [SPF record](/spf-record-checker/create-spf-record/) includes a list of IPaddresses and mail servers that the domain owner officially authorizes to be used for sending emails from. When the email reaches the recipient’s server, it extracts the SPF record corresponding to the sender’s domain to verify if the sender’s [mail server](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/mail-server-mail-transfer-transport-agent-MTA-mail-router-Internet-mailer) or IP address is part of the SPF record. _If yes, the authorization result shows a ‘pass,’ and the email lands in the primary inbox; otherwise, the authorization fails, and the message either gets marked as spam or bounces_ back. The [adoption of SPF is expanding](https://www.practicalecommerce.com/new-gmail-and-yahoo-policies-impact-ecommerce), as it provides a robust defense against [email spoofing](https://www.scmagazine.com/news/fbi-warns-of-email-spoofing-by-north-korean-threat-actor-kimsuky) and [phishing attacks](https://coinpedia.org/news/attacker-steals-71-million-in-an-extremely-sophisticated-phishing-attack-that-fooled-the-investor/), ensuring the integrity of your email communications. _Considering this, the [USA leads with a 92%](https://medium.com/@autospf2023submissions/spf-adoption-statistics-431502bad98a) adoption rate, followed by the UK (87%), Canada (85%), and Germany (83%)._ However, not all SPF records are error-free and valid, causing a problem in the authorization process. We have enlisted the SPF risk exposures in 2024. ## Common SPF Risk Findings If your SPF record highlights ‘SPF not enabled’ or ‘[SPF syntax error](/generative-ai-and-phishing-threats/spf-record-syntax/),’ then it means there are some configurational or syntactical errors. SPF is built to have a sensitive nature so that it effectively rules out phishing and [spoofing attempts](https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/05/02/congress/senate-phishing-warning-hack-graham-schumer-phone-00155832). This is exactly why even a tiny error invalidates an SPF record. Some frequent errors are- ### The Use of +all Mechanism _The use of the +all mechanism is discouraged in SPF as it allows both legitimate and illegitimate emails to pass authentication checks._ This way, [malicious actors](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/github-distribute-fake-exploits/) get to forge the sender address of an email to make it appear as if it’s coming from a trusted domain, increasing the possibilities of phishing and [impersonation attacks](/blog/impersonation-attacks-during-tax-season-protection-tips/). ![Impersonation attacks](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2024/05/spf-record-office-365-3.jpg) What’s worse is that the use of the ‘+all’ mechanism negatively impacts your domain’s reputation and can even cause it to be blocked by email providers. ### CIDR Notation Errors _CIDR notation is a compact way of representing IP address ranges_. In the context of SPF records, it is commonly used to specify which [IP addresses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP%5Faddress) are allowed to send emails on your behalf. The prefix length in CIDR notation determines the number of significant bits in the [network portion of the IP address](https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E19683-01/806-4075/ipref-1/index.html#:~:text=The%20network%20part%20specifies%20the,bytes%20of%20the%20IPv4%20address.). _An error occurs if the prefix length is too large or too small for the specified IP address range_. An error can also erupt if there is overlap or conflict between the specified CIDR blocks, leading to ambiguity in SPF evaluation. ### Mechanism Order Error The correct order of mechanisms is important so that email receivers can interpret and enforce the [SPF policy](/blog/how-to-fix-550-5-7-0-email-rejected-per-spf-policy/) effectively. A mechanism order error occurs when the sequence of mechanisms and modifiers in the SPF record is incorrect or suboptimal, causing unintended allowlisting or blocklisting. Placing allowed mechanisms like include, a, and mx before blocked mechanisms like redirect and +all can unintentionally cause validation and authorization issues. ![company’s email infrastructure](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/2024/05/spf-record-office-365-3785.jpg) Also, the incorrect order of mechanisms causes problems in policy maintenance and troubleshooting. _So, when SPF policies evolve or your [company’s email infrastructure](https://www.voilanorbert.com/blog/email-infrastructure/) changes, it gets difficult to maintain a consistent and logically ordered SPF record_. ### The Use of the ‘ptr’ Mechanism The use of the ‘\[ptr’ mechanism\](/blog/why-avoid-using-spf-ptr-mechanisms-email-authentication-security/) is highly discouraged in SPF as it requires performing a [reverse DNS lookup on the IP address](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse%5FDNS%5Flookup) of the connecting client. This adds to the complexity and slows down the authentication process. Also, while including a PTR record offers assurance regarding the domain name associated with an IP address, it doesn’t help verify the sender’s genuineness. _A PTR record merely confirms the reverse mapping of an IP address to a domain name, which may not accurately reflect the sender’s identity or authorization status_. Therefore, relying solely on PTR records for [SPF validation](/spf-validation-failed-meaning-and-troubleshooting-methods/spf-validation-error/) may not effectively prevent email spoofing or [unauthorized use of domain identities](https://thehackernews.com/2023/11/design-flaw-in-google-workspace-could.html). ### Exceeding the DNS Lookup Limit A limit of 10 [DNS lookups](/spf-too-many-dns-lookups/permerror-spf-permanent-error-too-many-dns-lookups/) has been imposed to avoid overburdening the resources involved in the authentication process. Organizations with complex and extensive email infrastructure tend to reach this limit within no time, invalidating the SPF record and hindering the authentication process. _To fix this, we offer an [automatic SPF flattening service](/) that eliminates the need for frequent lookups._ We start by performing DNS lookups for each included domain and then retrieving the corresponding IP addresses linked to each domain. This may involve querying [DNS records](https://www.ibm.com/topics/dns-records) for A (IPv4) or AAAA (IPv6) records or performing reverse DNS lookups (PTR records) for domain names. _Then, all the resolved IP addresses are consolidated into a single SPF record by removing duplicate IP addresses and [aggregating IP ranges](https://opensearch.org/docs/latest/aggregations/bucket/ip-range/)_. Finally, a flattened SPF record is generated that must be published in your domain’s DNS zone. If your SPF record has also exceeded the lookup limit, then [get in touch with us](https://support.autospf.com/support/home) for help. ## Topics [ email security ](/tags/email-security/)[ SPF Flattening ](/tags/spf-flattening/)[ SPF record ](/tags/spf-record/) ![Vasile Diaconu](https://media.mailhop.org/autospf/images/authors/vasile-diaconu.jpg) [ Vasile Diaconu ](/authors/vasile-diaconu/) Operations Lead Operations Lead at DuoCircle. Runs project management, developer coordination, and technical support execution for AutoSPF. [LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasile-diaconu/) ## Ready to get started? Try AutoSPF free — no credit card required. [ Book a Demo ](/book-a-demo/) ## Related Articles [ Intermediate 6m 10 Reasons Why DIY-ing SPF isn’t a Good Choice for Companies Apr 4, 2024 ](/blog/10-reasons-diy-ing-spf-isnt-good-choice-for-companies/)[ Intermediate 3m 3 points to consider before setting your SPF record to -all (HardFail) May 22, 2025 ](/blog/3-points-to-consider-before-setting-your-spf-record-hardfail/)[ Intermediate 9m How to clean up your SPF record to avoid email delivery nightmares? Sep 24, 2025 ](/blog/clean-up-spf-record-avoid-email-delivery-problems-guide-tips/)[ Intermediate 6m Decoding SPF mechanisms and their role in maximizing email deliverability Nov 6, 2024 ](/blog/decoding-spf-mechanisms-and-their-role-in-maximizing-email-deliverability/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://autospf.com/images/autospf-logo.png"},"description":"Automatic SPF flattening and email authentication management. 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