Gmail continues to innovate to protect its users. Recently, Google announced its support for the Common Mark Certificate (CMC), a new type of BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) certificate. This new initiative promises to further enhance the security and authenticity of emails exchanged through its platform. Let’s explore the details and implications of this recent development.
What is a BIMI certificate?
The BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is a standard that allows companies to display their verified brand logo in email inboxes. To do this, they must adhere to best practices and have their domains and logos verified by a third party. This provides an additional layer of security by visually authenticating the sender.
In other words, BIMI helps identify trusted senders and combat phishing and other online threats. The correct and verified brand logos appear only after passing strict verification, thus assuring users that they can trust the emails received.
Benefits of BIMI for administrators and end-users
For administrators, adopting BIMI means ensuring the emails sent by their organization are properly authenticated and verified. This not only enhances brand credibility but also helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
For end-users, the presence of a verified BIMI logo, sometimes accompanied by a checkmark, increases trust in the legitimacy of received messages. Thus, they can quickly distinguish between fraudulent emails and those from authentic sources.
Introduction of the Common Mark Certificate (CMC)
The latest advancement in the field of BIMI certificates is the Common Mark Certificate (CMC). Unlike VMC (Verified Mark Certificates), this new type of certificate is issued without requiring such complex verification. The CMC thus displays the brand’s avatar without the checkmark present on the VMC.
However, this does not reduce its importance. The CMC still plays a crucial role in sender authentication and protection against online scams. This change will allow for broader use of BIMI by making the technology more accessible to various organizations.
Differences between CMC and VMC
- Logo display: While CMCs allow for displaying the brand’s logo without a verification checkmark, VMCs include this checkmark to indicate complete verification.
- Level of security: Although both certificates enhance security, VMCs require more thorough validation, offering an additional layer of assurance.
- Accessibility: Thanks to the simplified procedure of CMCs, they make the adoption of BIMI more feasible for a larger number of companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Why is the CMC important?
The introduction of the CMC makes BIMI more accessible and easier to adopt. For many organizations, implementing BIMI with all its strict criteria represented a major challenge. The CMC provides an intermediate solution that maintains a good level of security while reducing implementation hurdles.
Thus, even without a verification checkmark, the CMC-verified logo brings immediate visual recognition and some assurance of authenticity. Companies can now enjoy the benefits of BIMI without undergoing complex verifications or allocating considerable resources.
Impact on users and administrators
For administrators
Administrators must ensure their organizations adopt best email practices to use the CMC. By using this certificate, they can display their brand logos more easily while continuing to benefit from BIMI’s advantages.
For end-users
End-users will see brand avatars displayed thanks to the CMC in their inboxes. This facilitates quick and visual verification of the sender, thus improving user experience and trust in incoming emails.
Gradual implementation
The implementation of the CMC by Gmail will begin progressively from September 24, 2024. During this period, all companies and users of Google Workspace, as well as holders of personal Google accounts, will be able to start adopting this new feature.
With this gradual rollout, each organization will have the necessary time to adapt its systems and prepare for the integration of the CMC. This ensures a smooth transition and successful adoption of this initiative, which promises to enhance overall email security.
Ultimately, the addition of the Common Mark Certificate (CMC) marks a key step in the development of email security. By facilitating the adoption of BIMI, it paves the way for increased use and enhanced protection of online communications. Feel free to explore the options offered by this new certificate to further secure your digital exchanges.
