What does DKIM stand for in email security?

DKIM stands for Domain Keys Identified Mail. It is an email authentication method designed to detect forged sender addresses in emails, a common tactic used in phishing and email spoofing attacks. DKIM allows the sender to sign an email message with a digital signature, which can be verified by the recipient. This verification ensures that the email content has not been altered in transit and confirms that it indeed comes from the stated domain.

When the recipient's mail server receives an email with a DKIM signature, it can check the signature against the public key that the sender has published in the DNS records. If the signatures match, it confirms the authenticity of the email, enhancing trust in the communication and helping reduce spam and phishing threats. This process adds a layer of security and integrity to email communications, making it a crucial component in modern email protocols.

The other options do not accurately reflect the true meaning of DKIM or its purpose in email security.