What does Sender Policy Framework (SPF) ensure in email communications?

The Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is a crucial protocol used to validate the authenticity of an email sender. Option C is correct because SPF specifically authorizes certain IP addresses to send emails on behalf of a domain. When an email is sent, the receiving mail server checks the SPF record published in the sender's DNS (Domain Name System) to verify if the sending IP address is listed. If it is listed, the email is more likely to be considered legitimate and is less likely to be marked as spam or rejected.

This authentication mechanism is important for reducing email spoofing, where malicious actors attempt to send messages that appear to come from a legitimate source. By ensuring that only authorized servers can send emails for a domain, SPF helps enhance the overall trust and security of email communications. In this way, it plays a significant role in efforts to maintain the integrity of email as a reliable communication method.