I built a free email security checker for small businesses
FreeFreeFree tier
About I built a free email security checker for small businesses
ShieldDesk is a free online security scanner designed for small business owners with no IT team. It checks 7 critical security settings for any business domain, including SPF, DMARC, DKIM, SSL certificates, MX records, email deliverability, and blacklist status. Results are delivered in plain English within 30 seconds, with no signup required. The tool reads only publicly available DNS records and never accesses servers or stores sensitive data. Built by a cybersecurity student, it aims to make security accessible and actionable, offering a free 8-page fix guide (Email Security Fix Kit) with copy-paste DNS records for common providers. ShieldDesk is 100% free forever.
Key Features
No signup or account required
Scans 7 critical security settings: SPF, DMARC, DKIM, SSL, MX Records, Email Deliverability, Security Score
Results in under 30 seconds
Plain English results with no technical jargon
100% free forever with no hidden costs
Reads only publicly available DNS records; never accesses servers or stores sensitive data
Built by a cybersecurity student
Includes optional 8-page Email Security Fix Kit with copy-paste records for Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, GoDaddy, and Cloudflare
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free with no signup or credit card required
- Quick scan takes less than 30 seconds
- Covers 7 essential security checks in one tool
- Plain English reports make results understandable for non-technical users
- Does not store or access sensitive data—privacy-friendly
- Includes a separate fix guide with ready-to-use DNS records for popular providers
- Built by a cybersecurity student, indicating domain expertise
Cons
- Only checks publicly available DNS records; does not perform vulnerability scanning or penetration testing
- No continuous monitoring or real-time alerts without signing up for early access
- Limited to domain-level email and web security; does not cover broader IT security needs
- Fix Kit appears to be a separate paid product ($9 suggested by '— 9')
- Developed by an individual student, so enterprise support may be minimal
Best For
Small business owners checking their domain’s email authentication and website securityVerifying SPF, DMARC, and DKIM configuration to prevent email spoofingChecking SSL certificate validity and expirationValidating email deliverability and sender reputationGenerating a security health report for insurance or client complianceQuickly assessing whether DNS settings are secure and properly configured
FAQ
Is ShieldDesk really free?
Yes, ShieldDesk is 100% free forever. No signup, credit card, or payment is required to use the security scanner.
Do I need to sign up or create an account?
No signup is required. You can scan any domain immediately by entering it on the website.
What does ShieldDesk check?
It checks 7 critical security settings: SPF record, DMARC policy, DKIM signature (19 common selectors), SSL certificate, MX records, email deliverability, and overall security score.
How long does a scan take?
Results are delivered in about 30 seconds.
Does ShieldDesk store my data or access my servers?
No. ShieldDesk only reads publicly available DNS records. It never accesses your servers, stores sensitive data, or collects personal information.
Who built ShieldDesk?
ShieldDesk was built by a cybersecurity student.