Exploring Online Privacy: Setting Up a Custom Domain on ProtonMail

As the world becomes increasingly digital, concerns about online privacy and data security have come to the forefront of many discussions. Technology companies play a significant role in managing our personal information, which is why I decided to delve deeper into how online privacy is handled by different platforms. This year, my primary focus was to ensure better control over my online communication while maintaining data sovereignty. I made the switch from using Google's Gmail to ProtonMail, and I couldn't be happier with the decision.

In the realm of online services, there is a plethora of options to choose from. The challenge lies in finding a service that aligns with your specific needs. While I was exploring various options, my experience with the Brave web browser proved to be a turning point. An ad for ProtonMail caught my attention, prompting me to give it a try. The result? A service that exceeded my expectations and aligned perfectly with my privacy concerns.

One of the standout features of ProtonMail is its ability to integrate custom domains. This is the focal point of our discussion in this post. A custom domain involves purchasing a domain name that can be linked to your ProtonMail account using a catch-all address.

Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up a custom domain on ProtonMail, including the necessary DNS records and configurations:

1. Domain Name: Begin by choosing a domain name for your custom domain.
2. TXT Record for Domain Verification: For domain verification, create a TXT record containing the verification code provided by ProtonMail.
3. MX Records: Configure MX records to ensure the proper routing of incoming emails. ProtonMail provides specific MX records that need to be set up.
4. TXT Record for SPF: Set up a TXT record for Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing and unauthorized sending.
5. CNAME Records for DKIM: Configure CNAME records for DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) to authenticate emails sent from your custom domain.
6. TXT Record for DMARC: Implement a TXT record for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) to enhance email security.
7. Email Address Setup: Finally, set up email addresses using your custom domain in your ProtonMail settings.

One potential hurdle you might encounter is the setup of the "@" subdomain as stipulated in the ProtonMail setup guide. However, if you are using AWS Route 53, it's important to note that the "@" subdomain is not required. Be sure to omit it when configuring the necessary DNS records.

Setting up these DNS records can be achieved through two main methods:

* AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI): If you're comfortable with the command line, you can use the AWS CLI to create the required DNS records.

* AWS Web Console's Route 53 Interface: Alternatively, you can use the Route 53 web interface on the AWS web console to set up the DNS records.

For domain verification, you can combine multiple values in a TXT DNS record by separating them with newline characters. This is especially useful when dealing with AWS Route 53.

Once you have your domain verified and the DNS records properly configured, the rest of the setup process is relatively straightforward. If you encounter any challenges along the way, feel free to leave a comment for assistance.

In the age of digital privacy, taking control of your online communication is paramount. With services like ProtonMail, you can ensure that your emails are secure and your data remains in your hands. By setting up a custom domain, you not only personalize your email addresses but also enhance your online privacy.

Stay vigilant, and take care of your online presence!

Raell Dottin