What is TLS-RPT? A detailed guide
Sendmarc simplifies TLS-RPT implementation, making encrypted email delivery reliable and transparent. What is TLS-RPT, though? Transport Layer Security Reporting (TLS-RPT) gives your organization insights into failed email encryption attempts, helping you detect issues, fix misconfigurations, and safeguard communications.
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What is TLS-RPT, and what does it do?
What is TLS-RPT?
So, what is TLS-RPT? TLS-RPT is an email security standard that enables domain owners to receive reports about email encryption failures. These failures happen when external servers attempt to receive messages using TLS encryption, but the process encounters issues.
TLS-RPT definition
TLS-RPT is a reporting mechanism that provides visibility into issues that happen during the TLS process. These reports are sent automatically to domain owners, helping to identify, diagnose, and resolve email encryption problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. This allows organizations to proactively protect their recipients from potential cyberthreats such as Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks.
What is TLS-RPT, and why does email transmission matter?
Email is vital to business communication and a frequent target for cybercriminals. Without secure transmission, emails containing sensitive information can be intercepted during transit. For teams asking “What is TLS-RPT’s relevance to email transmission?”, the answer is: It provides the insight you need to know whether TLS encryption is working properly.
Real-world example:
Consider that financial or legal documents are emailed to a client. If the email isn’t encrypted, it could be intercepted during transmission, leading to:
- A data breach
- Legal liability
- Loss of customer trust
The role of TLS in email security
What is TLS-RPT’s role? TLS encrypts data sent between email servers, ensuring that messages remain private while in transit. When both the sender and recipient servers support TLS, the email content is protected from unauthorized access.
But TLS encryption depends on its configuration. If misconfigured or if a threat actor attempts to downgrade the connection to bypass encryption, emails can be accessed. TLS-RPT detects these issues, allowing for timely correction.
Consequences of not using TLS-RPT
Businesses that don’t implement TLS-RPT risk the following:
- Undetected encryption failures: Issues with TLS might go unnoticed, leaving emails vulnerable
- Increased risk of data breaches: Sensitive information could be accessed during transmission
- Damage to brand reputation: A lack of proper email security can lead to the loss of customer trust
- Compliance risks: Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require secure email transmission
This is why understanding “What is TLS-RPT” is so critical for domain owners handling sensitive data.
What is TLS-RPT, and how does it work?
What is TLS-RPT’s working process? It functions by generating reports whenever TLS encryption fails during email delivery. Domain owners can then analyze these reports to identify issues, strengthen security, and maintain compliance.
Key terms to know:
- TLS: Encrypts email in transit between email servers to prevent interception
- Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security (MTA-STS): Able to instruct sending servers to only deliver emails via encrypted connections
What is in a TLS-RPT report?
A standard TLS-RPT report includes the following information:
- The IP addresses involved
- The type of issue
- The TLS policy
- The date and time of the issue
These reports are commonly delivered in JSON format. For those learning “What is TLS-RPT reporting?”, this breakdown shows the actionable intelligence it delivers.
What is TLS-RPT, and what are its benefits?
Organizations often ask, “What is TLS-RPT doing to benefit me?” Businesses that adopt TLS-RPT can:
Detect security issues early
TLS-RPT alerts companies when there are problems with encrypted email delivery. This enables fast identification of misconfigurations or potential cyberattacks, reducing vulnerability.
Improve email security
By identifying encryption failures, TLS-RPT checks that all outgoing emails are transmitted securely. This lowers the risk of data breaches and interception by cybercriminals.
Enhance regulatory compliance
Industries such as finance, healthcare, and legal services are subject to strict regulations on data protection. TLS-RPT helps meet compliance requirements by providing documentation of encryption issues.
Build customer trust
Customers expect their information to be securely handled. Using TLS-RPT shows a commitment to email security, enhancing your organization’s credibility and reputation.
Solve problems proactively
TLS-RPT provides security and IT teams with the data needed to identify and resolve issues before they escalate.
What is TLS-RPT, and how can it strengthen email security?
Book a demo with Sendmarc to find out.
What is TLS-RPT, and who uses it?
For decision-makers wondering “What is TLS-RPT used for?” here are examples:
- Small business owners: Gain visibility into email security even without a full-time security or IT team, protecting customer data and brand reputation
- Marketing professionals: Ensure marketing emails are securely delivered to clients
- IT and security teams: Access detailed reports that support fast diagnosis and solving of TLS-related failures
When to implement TLS-RPT
A TLS-RPT DNS record should be configured:
- When monitoring email transmission is a priority
- As part of a broader email authentication strategy, alongside Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)
- When enforcing encrypted email delivery through MTA-STS
Have more questions or want to see TLS-RPT in action?
Book a demo with Sendmarc and let our experts show you how easy it is to secure your emails.
What is TLS-RPT: FAQs
What is TLS-RPT?
How can I set up TLS-RPT?
To set up TLS-RPT, follow these three main steps:
- Choose an email address to receive reports: This should be a monitored address that’s regularly checked.
- Publish a TLS-RPT DNS record: Add a TLS-RPT DNS record that specifies where reports should be sent. For example:
| Host | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| _smtp._tls.yourdomain.com | TXT | v=TLSRPTv1; rua=mailto:[email protected] |
- Review and act on the reports: Analyze the incoming TLS-RPT reports and resolve any issues with your company’s security or IT team.
What is a TLS report?
For those wondering “What is TLS-RPT report content?”, it is a JSON-formatted document that shows where and why TLS encryption failed during delivery.
How does TLS-RPT relate to DMARC and MTA-STS?
When people ask “What is TLS-RPT in relation to other protocols?”, the answer is that TLS-RPT complements DMARC and MTA-STS by providing visibility into encryption performance.
What happens if I don’t use TLS-RPT?
If TLS-RPT isn’t implemented, your business will lack visibility into whether outgoing emails are being securely delivered using TLS encryption. This can result in undetected encryption failures, increased risk of data breaches, and damage to your company’s reputation.