How to Check MTA-STS
MTA-STS, or Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security, is a protocol that enables domain owners to enforce secure connections between their email servers and other systems. This helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that emails are delivered securely. In this article, we will discuss how to check if a domain has implemented MTA-STS correctly.
Step 1: Verify MTA-STS Policy File
The first step in checking MTA-STS is to verify the existence of a well-formed policy file on the domain’s web server. This policy file should be named ‘mta-sts.txt’ and hosted at ‘https://example.com/.well-known/mta-sts.txt‘.
To check for the policy file, simply open a web browser and navigate to ‘https://example.com/.well-known/mta-sts.txt‘. If the file is present and contains valid MTA-STS policy directives, you will see a text document detailing the policy’s parameters.
Step 2: Use MTA-STS Testing Tool
If you want to automate the process of checking MTA-STS, you can use an MTA-STS testing tool such as the one provided by SSL-Tools. Simply enter the domain name you wish to test and let the tool analyze the domain’s MTA-STS implementation.
The testing tool will provide a detailed report on the domain’s MTA-STS policy, including any errors or issues that need to be addressed. This can help you quickly identify any problems with the implementation and take corrective action.
Step 3: Check DNS Records
Another way to verify MTA-STS implementation is to check the domain’s DNS records for the existence of an MTA-STS TXT record. This record should be located at ‘_mta-sts.example.com‘ and contain the domain’s MTA-STS policy in TXT format.
You can use a DNS lookup tool such as MXToolbox to query the domain’s DNS records and check for the MTA-STS TXT record. If the record is present and correctly formatted, you will see the domain’s MTA-STS policy displayed in the results.
Conclusion
Checking MTA-STS implementation is an important step in ensuring the security of your email communication. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily verify if a domain has correctly implemented MTA-STS and take necessary actions to secure your email infrastructure.
Remember to regularly check your domain’s MTA-STS policy to ensure that it remains up-to-date and in compliance with best practices. This will help protect your emails from potential security threats and ensure the confidentiality of your communication.