cis-gworkspace-3-1-3-2-3

name	cis-gworkspace-3.1.3.2.3
description	Ensure the DMARC record is configured for all mail enabled domains
category	cis-gworkspace
version	1.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","gcp","google-workspace","gmail","dmarc","email-security"]
cis_id	3.1.3.2.3
cis_benchmark	CIS Google Workspace Foundations Benchmark v1.3.0
tech_stack	["gcp","google-workspace"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	["cis-gworkspace-3.1.3.2.1","cis-gworkspace-3.1.3.2.2"]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

3.1.3.2.3 Ensure the DMARC record is configured for all mail enabled domains

Overview

Property	Value
CIS ID	3.1.3.2.3
Level	L1
Profile Applicability	Enterprise Level 1
Assessment Type	Manual
Section	Gmail > Authenticate email

Description

For all email domains configured in Google Workspace, a corresponding Domain-Based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) record should be created.

NOTE: There are a number of ways DMARC can be configured, this document presents a most basic method. For more information on setting up DMARC for Google Workspace please refer to the Google documentation.

Rationale

DMARC works with Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM) to authenticate mail senders and ensure that destination email systems trust messages sent from your domain. Spammers can spoof your domain or organization to send fake messages that impersonate your organization. DMARC tells receiving mail servers what to do when they get a message that appears to be from your organization, but doesn't pass authentication checks, or doesn't meet the authentication requirements in your DMARC policy record. Messages that aren't authenticated might be impersonating your organization, or might be sent from unauthorized servers.

Impact

There should be minimal impact of setting up DMARC records however, organizations should ensure proper DMARC record setup as email could be flagged as spam if DMARC is not set up appropriately.

Default Value

None

Audit

Check the DNS records for each domain.

1. Use a Domain Name System (DNS) lookup tool to review the current configuration for your domain (DNS Records). This information can be discovered in a variety of ways:
   • Reviewing the DNS Record information at your domain registrar (GoDaddy, etc.)
   • Using an OS based nslookup tool on your workstation OS
   • Preferred: Using Google Dig tool available from the Google Admin Toolbox site
2. Using the chosen tool, enter your email domain name (ex. domain1.com)
3. In the results displayed, ensure that a TXT Record with the value of v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:<[e-mail]> exists. This designates Google Gmail as an authorized sender.