If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of GMail users, we have great news: Google is expanding its GMail security measures with the implementation of a new security standard called Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI). The new feature aims to provide users with an additional layer of protection against phishing and other email scams by verifying the authenticity of incoming messages.
BIMI works by displaying a brand’s logo next to the sender’s name in the recipient’s inbox, provided that the sender has passed certain authentication checks — this allows users to easily identify legitimate emails from their trusted senders, making it more difficult for scammers to impersonate brands and trick users into giving away sensitive information.
In order to implement BIMI, companies must first authenticate their domains using either Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) or DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM); these authentication methods help to ensure that only authorized senders can use a company’s domain name to send emails.
Expanding upon GMail security with BIMI (Image: Courtesy by Google)
Once a company’s domain has been authenticated, it can then create a BIMI record containing its logo and other relevant information. This record is then published to the Domain Name System (DNS), allowing email providers like GMail to retrieve and display the logo in the recipient’s inbox.
BIMI is currently being tested by a select group of companies, including CNN, Monster, and Verizon Media, still, Google plans to roll out the feature more widely in the coming months, with support for additional email providers expected in the future.
In addition to providing an extra layer of security for users, BIMI also has potential benefits for companies because by displaying their company logo in the recipient’s inbox, they can also increase their brand recognition and improve the overall user experience of their emails.
The implementation of BIMI is a positive step towards improving email security and protecting users from scams and phishing attempts. As more companies adopt this new standard, users can feel more confident in the authenticity of their incoming emails and companies can improve their brand recognition and customer experience.