What does SPF stand for in email security?

The correct answer is that SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. SPF is a critical component in email security designed to help prevent email spoofing, which is a common tactic used in phishing attacks. By implementing SPF, domain owners can specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of their domain. This is accomplished through DNS (Domain Name System) records that list the IP addresses of these authorized servers.

When an email is received, the recipient's mail server can check the SPF record of the sending domain to verify that the email is coming from an approved source. If the email fails this check, it may be marked as spam or rejected altogether, which helps protect users from malicious emails that could harm them or compromise sensitive information.

The other options do not accurately represent the SPF concept in email security. Sender Policy Framework is widely accepted and recognized in the industry, making it an essential component for ensuring the security and integrity of email communications.