Email threats continue to rise across the SMB space. Many small business owners still believe cybercriminals only target large companies. Yet attackers often prefer smaller organisations because their defences are simpler to bypass. This trend puts resellers and MSPs under pressure to deliver stronger protection while still keeping workloads manageable.
This is where SMB1001 plays an important role. The standard aims to lift the baseline for cyber and email hygiene. It sits within Dynamic Standards International’s computer security standards, and it gives SMBs a clear path to better security maturity. Email authentication features heavily in this framework because attackers rely on domain spoofing more than ever.
At Bluechip IT, we guide partners through these SMB1001 changes. While many platforms support DMARC implementation, including solutions such as Sendmarc’s DMARC tools, our goal is simple: help partners understand what the standard now expects and how to prepare clients with minimum friction.
This article breaks down the SMB1001 email authentication requirements across SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. It also explains the differences between Level 2 and Level 3 controls. If you support SMB clients and want a clear, practical explanation that you can share with your team, keep reading.
What is SMB1001?
SMB1001 is a baseline cybersecurity standard created for small and medium businesses. It helps organisations adopt realistic cybersecurity practices without demanding deep technical knowledge. While it covers several areas, email authentication has become one of its central pillars.
The rise in spoofing, phishing, and impersonation has pushed SMB1001 toward stronger enforcement. Many businesses are now preparing for the 2026 updates, which increase the emphasis on domain protection. As a result, SMB1001 email authentication is becoming essential for MSPs and resellers who want to position themselves as trusted advisors.
Why Email Authentication Matters Under SMB1001
Email still remains the most common attack path for criminals. Spoofed domains, fake invoices, and impersonation attempts create major financial risks for SMBs. These attacks also spread quickly and often look convincing.
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over USD $2.9 billion in Business Email Compromise losses during 2023. This number illustrates why SMB1001 shifts more weight onto SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These controls limit the attacker’s ability to send fraudulent emails that appear legitimate.
When these controls work together, SMBs gain stronger trust in their communication environment. MSPs also gain better visibility into domain misuse through DMARC reporting.
SMB1001 Email Authentication Requirements: Level 2 vs Level 3
SMB1001 groups its email authentication expectations into two levels. These help SMBs move from foundational protection to full enforcement.
Level 2 Requirements (Basic Email Protection)
Level 2 focuses on building a secure foundation with simple yet effective controls.
1. SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
SPF tells receiving servers which mail sources are authorised. Think of it as a domain’s guest list. If a sender does not appear on the list, the server treats that message with caution.
2. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to each outgoing message. If anyone alters the message, the signature fails. This creates integrity and authenticity for every email.
3. DMARC (Monitoring Mode)
Level 2 encourages DMARC in monitor mode. This allows the domain owner to collect insight without blocking anything yet. It is a safe and low-pressure introduction to SMB1001 DMARC.
Level 3 Requirements (Advanced and Mandatory Controls)
Level 3 lifts the standard. It requires stronger protection and active enforcement.
1. DMARC Enforcement Becomes Mandatory
Many partners ask, Does SMB1001 require DMARC? At Level 3, the answer is yes.
Businesses must enforce DMARC with quarantine or reject policies to prevent domain spoofing.
2. DKIM Required Across Every Mail Source
Every service that sends mail for a business must use DKIM. This ensures consistent authentication across all platforms.
3. Ongoing Review of DMARC Reports
SMBs must review DMARC reports regularly. A DMARC report analyzer helps simplify this process by turning raw data into clear insights.
Does SMB1001 Require DMARC Today – and by 2026?
Today, DMARC is encouraged at Level 2 and required at Level 3. By 2026, SMB1001 will push more organisations toward full enforcement. This shift also aligns with global email requirements from Google and Microsoft. DMARC quickly becomes the minimum expectation for safe business communication, not just a “nice to have.”
Understanding DMARC: The Simple Explanation
DMARC can feel technical at first. Yet its purpose is straightforward. It checks whether an email using your domain is genuine.
Here’s how to explain it to clients:
- SPF lists who can send mail for your domain.
- DKIM proves no one changed the message.
- DMARC checks both and applies your policy.
DMARC also sends reports showing how your domain is used. A dmarc report analyzer gives MSPs clear visibility into unusual or unauthorised activity.
Think of DMARC like traffic control. It watches everything and directs what should happen. If something looks suspicious, it acts.
How to Set Up DMARC for SMB1001 Compliance
Here is a simple path you can share with clients. These steps also support how to set up DMARC for SMB1001 without overwhelming them.
- Check SPF and DKIM: Verify that all email services are authenticated correctly.
- Create a DMARC Record in Monitor Mode: Start with p=none to gather clean data.
- Review DMARC Reports: Use a tool to identify unknown senders.
- Fix Unauthorised Senders: Remove or update any service that should not send mail.
- Move to Quarantine and Then Reject: Increase enforcement as confidence grows.
- Continue Monitoring: Keep reviews consistent for long-term protection.
A Note on Tools and Partner Support
Resellers often look for ways to simplify this process for clients. Bluechip IT offers guidance and resources to support MSPs, along with access to DMARC-focused tools such as Sendmarc. Solutions like these help automate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC enforcement and reduce the risk of misconfiguration.
Real Benefits for SMB Owners
When SMBs adopt SPF, DKIM, and DMARC together, they gain several advantages:
- Fewer phishing emails are sent using their domain
- Better protection for clients and staff
- Greater trust from partners
- Improved email delivery
- A smoother path to SMB1001 certification
- Less pressure on internal IT
These outcomes create real stability for daily operations.
SMB1001: Building Stronger Email Security with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
Email attacks continue to grow in both frequency and complexity. SMB1001 addresses this by giving clear guidance around email authentication, especially DMARC. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC now form the foundation for secure SMB email. They also reduce fraud and help maintain customer trust.
With SMB1001 2026 approaching, this is the right time for MSPs and SMBs to prepare. You do not need great technical skills. You simply need a structured plan and the right tools to support it.
Speak to Bluechip IT to discuss DMARC solutions and strengthen your clients’ compliance journey.
