DKIM, or DomainKeys Identified Mail, is a standard that has been around for two years and is gaining traction among large mail systems. However, there are still misconceptions about what DKIM does and doesn't do. Contrary to popular belief, a DKIM signature does not necessarily mean that a message is not spam.

Spammers can also sign their mail, so the presence of a DKIM signature only confirms that the message received is the same as the one signed. The value of DKIM lies in its ability to establish a reputation for a domain based on the quality of its signed messages. Another myth is that a DKIM signature confirms the realness of the header information.

In actuality, a DKIM signature only guarantees that the message received is the one that was signed, regardless of the From: line. The DKIM specification does not encompass signing policy. Lastly, there is a misconception that DKIM doesn't work with mailing lists.

While modifications made by mailing list software may invalidate the original DKIM signature, DKIM can still be useful for list managers and recipients in recognizing and filtering mail from mailing lists. DKIM simplifies list management and enhances reliability. In summary, DKIM is a valuable tool for establishing reputation, confirming message integrity, and aiding in list management for both list managers and recipients