The DMSO Moment: How an Old Medicine Finds New Life

DMSO - What You Need to Know

DMSO: Examining Potential Uses and What Patients Should Know

By Health Reporter | March 10, 2025

A decades-old chemical compound is receiving renewed attention in some medical circles, raising questions about its potential benefits and risks for patients seeking alternative treatments.

Dimethyl sulfoxide, commonly known as DMSO, is a byproduct of paper manufacturing that has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. While currently FDA-approved only for treating interstitial cystitis (a painful bladder condition), some physicians and patients are exploring its use for various other health concerns.

What is DMSO?

DMSO is a colorless liquid derived from wood pulp that can penetrate the skin quickly and move throughout the body. This unique property has made it interesting to researchers since the 1960s, when Dr. Stanley Jacob at Oregon Health & Science University began investigating its medical potential.

"DMSO has an unusual ability to penetrate barriers in the body without causing significant damage," explains Dr. Sarah Chen, a pharmacologist not involved in DMSO research. "This characteristic makes it both interesting and potentially concerning from a medical perspective."

Current Approved Uses

The FDA has approved DMSO for only one condition:

• Interstitial cystitis: A prescription-strength DMSO solution (Rimso-50) is used to treat this chronic bladder condition

Veterinarians also commonly use DMSO for reducing inflammation in horses and other animals.

Reported Off-Label Applications

Some physicians report using DMSO for other conditions, though these applications lack the rigorous clinical trial evidence required for FDA approval:

• Inflammatory conditions: Applied topically for arthritis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory conditions
• Pain management: For certain types of chronic pain
• Wound healing: For burns, cuts, and skin conditions
• Circulation improvement: For conditions involving poor blood flow

Some patients with autoimmune conditions like scleroderma have reported improvements, though such cases remain anecdotal rather than proven through clinical studies.

The Science: What We Know and Don't Know

Despite decades of interest, DMSO's broader medical applications remain largely unverified by modern clinical standards.

"There's a disconnect between the volume of preliminary research on DMSO and the lack of large, well-designed clinical trials," notes medical researcher Dr. James Wong. "This makes it difficult for physicians to make evidence-based recommendations."

A review of studies on DMSO for osteoarthritis found it was not significantly more effective than placebo in reducing joint pain. However, proponents argue that proper concentration, application methods, and combination with other therapies may yield better results than those captured in limited studies.

Safety Considerations for Patients

Health authorities urge caution for those considering DMSO:

• Purity concerns: Commercial DMSO products vary widely in concentration and quality
• Absorption properties: DMSO can carry other substances, including contaminants, through the skin
• Common side effects: Include garlic-like breath odor, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal discomfort
• Potential drug interactions: May increase the effects of blood thinners, steroids, and sedatives
• Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain conditions including diabetes and liver disease without medical supervision

Patient Perspectives

Some patients report significant benefits from DMSO treatment. Erica Eyres, who was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, describes experiencing improvements in her condition after using DMSO as part of a treatment regimen prescribed by her physician.

"What's important is that patients consult healthcare providers and thoroughly research any supplement before trying it," advises patient advocate Lisa Morales. "And always inform all your doctors about everything you're using, prescription or not."

The Regulatory Gap

Unlike prescription medications, supplements and topical DMSO products don't undergo the same FDA approval process, which requires proof of both safety and effectiveness.

"This regulatory gap puts more responsibility on consumers to assess risks," explains health policy expert Dr. Robert Nelson. "It also means we have less systematic data collection on outcomes, both positive and negative."

Talking to Your Doctor

If you're interested in DMSO:

1. Consult healthcare providers: Discuss with physicians knowledgeable about both conventional and complementary approaches
2. Research thoroughly: Understand the limited evidence base for most applications
3. Consider quality: If pursuing treatment, source products from reputable manufacturers
4. Monitor carefully: Track any side effects or changes in your condition
5. Maintain perspective: View DMSO as one potential tool rather than a miracle solution

"The conversation about DMSO highlights the broader challenges in evaluating treatments that fall outside the traditional pharmaceutical development pathway," says integrative medicine specialist Dr. Emma Harrison. "Patients deserve both open-mindedness and scientific rigor when exploring such options."

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding your specific health conditions and treatment options.

The DMSO Moment: How an Old Medicine Finds New Life

Home Chef: The Meal Kit Brought to You by Kroger

Home Chef: The Meal Kit Brought to You by Kroger

Claude: Everything you need to know about Anthropic's AI | TechCrunch

Claude: Everything you need to know about Anthropic's AI | TechCrunch

techcrunch.com

Kyle Wiggers, Maxwell Zeff

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Anthropic, one of the world’s largest AI vendors, has a powerful family of generative AI models called Claude. These models can perform a range of tasks, from captioning images and writing emails to solving math and coding challenges.

With Anthropic’s model ecosystem growing so quickly, it can be tough to keep track of which Claude models do what. To help, we’ve put together a guide to Claude, which we’ll keep updated as new models and upgrades arrive.

Claude models

Claude models are named after literary works of art: Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus. The latest are:

• Claude 3.5 Haiku, a lightweight model.
• Claude 3.7 Sonnet, a midrange, hybrid reasoning model. This is currently Anthropic’s flagship AI model.
• Claude 3 Opus, a large model.

Counterintuitively, Claude 3 Opus — the largest and most expensive model Anthropic offers — is the least capable Claude model at the moment. However, that’s sure to change when Anthropic releases an updated version of Opus.

Most recently, Anthropic released Claude 3.7 Sonnet, its most advanced model to date. This AI model is different from Claude 3.5 Haiku and Claude 3 Opus because it’s a hybrid AI reasoning model, which can give both real-time answers and more considered, “thought-out” answers to questions.

When using Claude 3.7 Sonnet, users can choose whether to turn on the AI model’s reasoning abilities, which prompt the model to “think” for a short or long period of time.

When reasoning is turned on, Claude 3.7 Sonnet will spend anywhere from a few seconds to a couple minutes in a “thinking” phase before answering. During this phase, the AI model is breaking down the user’s prompt into smaller parts and checking its answers.

Claude 3.7 Sonnet is Anthropic’s first AI model that can “reason,” a technique many AI labs have turned to as traditional methods of improving AI performance taper off.

Even with its reasoning disabled, Claude 3.7 Sonnet remains one of the tech industry’s top-performing AI models.

In November, Anthropic released an improved — and more expensive — version of its lightweight AI model, Claude 3.5 Haiku. This model outperforms Anthropic’s Claude 3 Opus on several benchmarks, but it can’t analyze images like Claude 3 Opus or Claude 3.7 Sonnet can.

All Claude models — which have a standard 200,000-token context window — can also follow multistep instructions, use tools (e.g., stock ticker trackers), and produce structured output in formats like JSON.

A context window is the amount of data a model like Claude can analyze before generating new data, while tokens are subdivided bits of raw data (like the syllables “fan,” “tas,” and “tic” in the word “fantastic”). Two hundred thousand tokens is equivalent to about 150,000 words, or a 600-page novel.

Unlike many major generative AI models, Anthropic’s can’t access the internet, meaning they’re not particularly great at answering current events questions. They also can’t generate images — only simple line diagrams.

As for the major differences between Claude models, Claude 3.7 Sonnet is faster than Claude 3 Opus and better understands nuanced and complex instructions. Haiku struggles with sophisticated prompts, but it’s the swiftest of the three models.

Claude model pricing

The Claude models are available through Anthropic’s API and managed platforms such as Amazon Bedrock and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.

Here’s the Anthropic API pricing:

• Claude 3.5 Haiku costs 80 cents per million input tokens (~750,000 words), or $4 per million output tokens
• Claude 3.7 Sonnet costs $3 per million input tokens, or $15 per million output tokens
• Claude 3 Opus costs $15 per million input tokens, or $75 per million output tokens

Anthropic offers prompt caching and batching to yield additional runtime savings.

Prompt caching lets developers store specific “prompt contexts” that can be reused across API calls to a model, while batching processes asynchronous groups of low-priority (and subsequently cheaper) model inference requests.

Claude plans and apps

For individual users and companies looking to simply interact with the Claude models via apps for the web, Android, and iOS, Anthropic offers a free Claude plan with rate limits and other usage restrictions.

Upgrading to one of the company’s subscriptions removes those limits and unlocks new functionality. The current plans are:

• Claude Pro.
• Claude Team, for small businesses
• Claude Enterprise, for larger companies

Claude Pro, which costs $20 per month, comes with 5x higher rate limits, priority access, and previews of upcoming features.

Being business-focused, Team — which costs $30 per user per month — adds a dashboard to control billing and user management and integrations with data repos such as codebases and customer relationship management platforms (e.g., Salesforce). A toggle enables or disables citations to verify AI-generated claims. (Like all models, Claude hallucinates from time to time.)

Both Pro and Team subscribers get Projects, a feature that grounds Claude’s outputs in knowledge bases, which can be style guides, interview transcripts, and so on. These customers, along with free-tier users, can also tap into Artifacts, a workspace where users can edit and add to content like code, apps, website designs, and other docs generated by Claude.

For customers who need even more, there’s Claude Enterprise, which allows companies to upload proprietary data into Claude so that Claude can analyze the info and answer questions about it. Claude Enterprise also comes with a larger context window (500,000 tokens), GitHub integration for engineering teams to sync their GitHub repositories with Claude, and Projects and Artifacts.

A word of caution

As is the case with all generative AI models, there are risks associated with using Claude.

The models occasionally make mistakes when summarizing or answering questions because of their tendency to hallucinate. They’re also trained on public web data, some of which may be copyrighted or under a restrictive license. Anthropic and many other AI vendors argue that the fair-use doctrine shields them from copyright claims. But that hasn’t stopped data owners from filing lawsuits.

Anthropic offers policies to protect certain customers from courtroom battles arising from fair-use challenges. However, they don’t resolve the ethical quandary of using models trained on data without permission.

This article was originally published on October 19, 2024. It was updated on February 25, 2025, to include new details about Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Claude 3.5 Haiku.

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Critical Gmail Security Update—What 2.5 Billion Users Need To Know

Gmail Rolls Out Major Security Overhaul: What Users Need to Know

In a significant move to combat spam and enhance security for its 2.5 billion users, Gmail has implemented stringent new authentication requirements that are already showing impressive results. According to recent statistics, the platform has seen a 65% reduction in unauthenticated messages and prevented 265 billion unauthorized emails since the changes were introduced.

The security update focuses on sender authentication, particularly targeting bulk emailers who send more than 5,000 emails daily to personal Gmail accounts. These senders must now comply with three key authentication protocols: DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and SPF (Sender Policy Framework).

The timing is crucial, as new research from VIPRE security group reveals that 90% of all emails are now spam, with one in five of these being malicious phishing attempts. Even more concerning, 88% of these malicious emails use impersonation techniques to deceive recipients.

For regular Gmail users, these changes mean enhanced protection against phishing attacks and unwanted spam. The new system makes it easier to verify that emails are coming from legitimate sources, and includes simplified unsubscribe options for marketing emails.

Neil Kumaran, Gmail's group product manager, explained the motivation behind the changes: "Many bulk senders don't appropriately secure and configure their systems, allowing attackers to easily hide in their midst." The new requirements aim to close these security loopholes.

The impact has been significant. According to research by EasyDMARC involving 1,000 IT decision-makers, organizations are seeing positive results:
- 81% reported that DMARC implementation effectively reduced spam and phishing emails
- The number of professionals feeling very confident about combating phishing attacks increased from 27% to 36%
- 87% support expanding these authentication requirements beyond just bulk senders

For Gmail users, no direct action is required to benefit from these security improvements. However, if you manage your own domain or send business emails to Gmail users, experts recommend implementing the DMARC, DKIM, and SPF authentication protocols to ensure your messages reach their intended recipients.

These changes represent one of Gmail's most significant security updates in recent years, setting a new standard for email security that other providers are expected to follow.

Critical Gmail Security Update—What 2.5 Billion Users Need To Know

forbes.com

Davey Winder

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Gmail's DMARC security move is paying off.

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Update, Feb. 4, 2025: This story, originally published Feb. 3, now includes further information regarding the hugely impactful Gmail email sender authentication security update and a report revealing 9 out of 10 emails are spam.

Google is not scared of making the big decisions when it comes to securing the 2.5 billion users of its Gmail email platform. Be that by way of purging account data, or making wholesale security policy changes. When you consider the security threats to Gmail users including do not click attacks and AI-driven prompt injection vulnerabilities, this is good news. As it was when I reported on Google’s critical decision to update Gmail security with new rules concerning email authentication. New research now suggests that this was one of the best security measures that Google has introduced for Gmail users in many a year, making the world’s biggest free email platform even safer to use for everyone as nine out of ten messages are spam, and 20% of those are malicious in intent. Here’s what you need to know.

ForbesGmail Security Warning For 2.5 Billion Users—AI Hack ConfirmedBy Davey Winder

The Incredible Impact Of The Critical Gmail Sender Authentication Update

It’s hard to believe that it was really a year ago that Google started updating Gmail security for the 2.5 billion users of the email platform by introducing a simple but, as it turns out, staggeringly effective measure: sender authentication, including the implementation of Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance. Just how effective that has been is now revealed within new statistics released to me by EasyDMARC.

A quick recap is probably in order. As Gmail’s group product manager, Neil Kumaran, said at the time, “Many bulk senders don’t appropriately secure and configure their systems, allowing attackers to easily hide in their midst.” This simple statement was at the heart of the new rules to update Gmail security measures as authenticating those sending email in volume, validating they are who they claim to be, is a crucial requirement for any email platform claiming to take security seriously. All bulk senders, those sending at least 5,000 emails to personal Gmail accounts a day, are now required to provide that authentication by way of the previously mentioned DMARC, as well as DomainKeys Identified Mail and Sender Policy Framework. “Ultimately, this will close loopholes exploited by attackers that threaten everyone who uses email,” Kumaran said.

According to the VIPRE security group, which analyzed more than seven billion emails, nine out of ten of them are now spam. Delving into this statistic revealed that one in five of those were malicious phishing emails, and 88% used impersonation techniques to try and fool the recipients.

The aim of these critical changes to the way that Gmail works, from both the recipient and sender perspectives, was simple enough:

• Add confidence to Gmail users in the knowledge that the source of an email is valid.
• Make the act of unsubscribing from an email as easy as possible, no jumping through hoops required.
• Reduce the amount of unwanted email in Gmail inboxes by ensuring that bulk senders cannot exceed specific spam rates.

On Oct. 8, 2024, I reported how, after just six months, the Gmail security update was impacting users. Kumaran said that Google had seen a 65% reduction in unauthenticated messages sent to Gmail users and an astonishing 265 billion fewer unauthenticated messages sent than in the previous year. Now, a year on from the changes, that impact has been revealed to be even more impactful.

ForbesMeta Confirms WhatsApp Hack—Act NowTo Stay SafeBy Davey Winder

Not Just For Gmail—All Users Should Adopt DMARC, DKIM And SPF

It goes without saying that anyone who falls into the definition of a bulk sender would be unwise not to implement strict authentication protocols unless they are acting maliciously in some way or another. And that applies to email sent to any platform, not just Gmail. I would also recommend that anyone who sends emails from their own domain to Gmail users should implement the DMARC, DKIM and SPF trilogy to add confidence that they are a genuine sender. A great example as to why is to solve why email messages aren’t arriving at their destination correctly. Something else I have previously reported, and which a Gmail spokesperson said was caused by “the messages getting dropped before they even get to Gmail due to improper authentication.”

I’m not a bulk sender, but I do send emails to Gmail users using my own domain. I also took the time to set up strict sender authentication protocols to ensure that recipients can trust that it is me sending the email they get. There are plenty of services out there, including your domain or email provider, who can help with this process if you are not a technical person yourself.

Confidence To Combat Gmail Phishing Attacks Rises

The statistics that EasyDMARC has shared with me come from research involving 1,000 IT decision-makers and the key findings were:

• 77% said that Gmail’s policy influenced their decision to adopt DMARC.
• 81% said DMARC implementation met their expectations in reducing spam and phishing emails.
• 87% supported expanding authentication requirements beyond bulk senders to further reduce phishing and spam risks.
• The percentage of professionals who felt very confident in their organization’s ability to combat phishing attacks rose by nine points in the past year, from 27% to 36%.

Google has set a strong precedent with the Gmail security update, proving that such influential email providers can improve best practices through sensible, iterative protocol improvements. “We must now as an industry convince businesses of their importance and ability to improve cybersecurity resilience,” Gerasim Hovhannisyan, CEO at EasyDMARC, said.

ForbesBillions Of Google Chrome Users Warned As Syncjacking Hack Steals DataBy Davey Winder

Google's Gmail Sender Requirement Update

Anders Uhl

blog.clickpointsoftware.com

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In 2024, Gmail introduced a set of robust email sender requirements to increase security and privacy for its users. These policies have been in place for over a year. They have changed email marketing and communication strategies in many industries.

The Gmail sender requirements will be fully enforced in 2025. Senders must comply to ensure reliable email delivery and protect their reputations. This article breaks down these requirements, their significance, and actionable steps to align with them.

Understanding Gmail’s Key Requirements

Gmail's updated policies focus on five areas: authentication, DNS setup, unsubscribe options, spam rate control, and encryption. Each plays a vital role in creating a secure and trustworthy email ecosystem.

Authentication

What It Is: Authentication verifies the sender's domain, proving that the message originates from a legitimate source. Gmail uses authentication standards such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

How It Affects Senders:

• Positive Impact: Authenticated emails are less likely to be flagged as spam.
• Negative Impact: Without proper authentication, emails may end up in the spam folder or outright rejected by Gmail servers.

Authentication ensures that the sender’s identity is verified and their messages originate from legitimate sources. It is built on three core protocols:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework): SPF specifies which servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of a domain. By cross-checking this information, Gmail can detect and block unauthorized attempts to use your domain for malicious activities.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): DKIM embeds a cryptographic signature within each email header. This signature verifies that the message content remains unchanged during transit and confirms its authenticity.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): DMARC gives domain owners visibility into their email authentication practices. While Gmail requires a DMARC policy of at least “p=none,” adopting policies like “p=quarantine” or “p=reject” helps protect against domain spoofing.

DNS Configuration

Proper DNS configuration establishes the legitimacy of email servers. Gmail requires alignment between forward and reverse DNS. Forward DNS verifies that the IP address belongs to the domain name, while reverse DNS verifies that the domain name matches the IP address.

This alignment prevents bad actors from spoofing trusted domains.

One-Click Unsubscribe

Gmail requires all marketing emails to include a one-click unsubscribe option to promote transparency and user control. This feature, outlined in RFC 8058, ensures recipients can easily opt out of communications. This reduces complaints and improves engagement rates.

Spam Rate Management

Spam complaints can severely impact sender reputation. Gmail monitors spam rates and requires them to remain below 0.1%. This means senders must prioritize relevant, engaging content to minimize complaints and ensure compliance.

Encryption

Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption is now a baseline requirement for all email transmissions. TLS ensures that emails are securely delivered and protects them from interception or tampering during transit.

The Timeline of Change

Gmail’s phased implementation of these requirements in 2024 allowed senders time to adapt. In 2025, these measures are being fully enforced:

• February 2024: General guidelines took effect for all senders. Bulk senders had to align with stricter authentication practices to avoid temporary delivery errors.
• April 2024: Gmail began rejecting non-compliant emails, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the new standards.
• June 2024: Full enforcement commenced. Non-compliant emails were outright rejected, solidifying Gmail’s commitment to a secure email ecosystem.

Why These Changes Matter in 2025

The updated requirements have transformed the email landscape. They are not limited to Gmail but are becoming industry standards. Providers like Yahoo and Microsoft adopting similar policies. Here’s why these changes are critical:

• Improved Deliverability: Adhering to Gmail’s standards ensures emails reach inboxes without being blocked or filtered as spam. This is especially vital for transactional emails like password resets and order confirmations.
• Enhanced Security: Strong authentication practices protect brands from phishing, spoofing, and other malicious activities, fostering trust with recipients.
• Industry Alignment: Compliance with Gmail’s requirements positions senders to adapt seamlessly as other providers implement similar policies, reducing disruptions.

How to Stay Compliant

Maintaining compliance in 2025 requires proactive efforts. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Strengthen Authentication

Review your SPF and DKIM configurations to ensure they align with your domain’s sending practices. Implement a DMARC policy with at least “p=none” for reporting, and consider transitioning to stricter policies over time.

Optimize DNS Settings

Work with your IT team to verify that your forward and reverse DNS records align. Mismatched records can lead to email rejection, which can impact deliverability.

Include Unsubscribe Options

Ensure all marketing emails include a one-click unsubscribe option. This not only meets Gmail’s requirements but also fosters positive user experiences and reduces complaints.

Monitor Spam Rates

Use Gmail’s Postmaster Tools to track your domain’s spam rate. Investigate and address issues promptly to keep the rate below 0.1%.

Enforce TLS Encryption

Ensure TLS is enabled for all outgoing emails. Most email service providers support TLS, but it’s worth verifying this setting to maintain compliance.

Preparing for the Future

Looking beyond 2025, Gmail’s policies set the stage for more rigorous email standards. They may introduce stricter DMARC enforcement and tighter spam thresholds. By adopting best practices today, senders can future-proof their email strategies and maintain seamless communication with recipients.

Read more about State and Federal Marketing Regulations

Glossary

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework) prevents unauthorized use of your domain. SPF specifies the servers that can send emails on behalf of your domain.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) helps verify if an email is genuine. It uses unique signatures to confirm the message's origin and to ensure it hasn't been altered.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) gives domain owners visibility into their email authentication practices and helps mitigate email spoofing and phishing.
• DNS, or Domain Name System, changes easy-to-read domain names into IP addresses. These addresses help computers find and identify each other on the network.
• TLS (Transport Layer Security): A cryptographic protocol that provides secure communication over a computer network, including encrypting email transmissions.

References

Google’s Official Announcement on Email Requirements (October 2023)

RFC 8058: One-Click Unsubscribe Standards

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) Documentation

Gmail Postmaster Tools: Spam Rate Management and Insights

Yahoo and Microsoft Public Statements on Email Authentication Changes (2024)

8 Actions You Should Take to Stop Gmail from Blocking Your Emails | Cybernews

Elementor

cybernews.com

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Written By: Ben Pines

(Ben Pines, who has been part of the Elementor team since its start, now focused on marketing new innovative plugins like Site Mailer, an email deliverability solution, and Image Optimizer, an image optimization tool, Ben works to solve real challenges for freelancers and agencies managing multiple sites.)

Starting February 2024, Gmail’s stricter email sending requirements mean that failing to comply could have serious consequences: your emails may be flagged as spam, blocked, or fail to reach your audience entirely.

These updates are part of Gmail’s ongoing efforts to protect users and improve inbox security. Email marketers and site owners must now follow detailed rules to maintain their sender reputation and ensure deliverability.

Here’s what you need to know and how to stay compliant:

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1. Authenticate Your Emails

All email must be authenticated using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Authentication prevents spoofing, protects recipients from phishing, and ensures your emails are trusted by Gmail.

Solution:

• Use a supported plugin: Install Site Mailer, that simplifies setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for your domain.
• Check domain registrar support: Ensure your domain registrar or DNS provider supports setting up these authentication records. Most major registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains allow adding TXT records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

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2. Match Domains and Maintain Sender Reputation

When sending emails, it’s critical to ensure that your sending domain and email address are aligned. This means that the domain in your "From" email address (e.g., you@yourdomain.com) should match the domain used by your sending infrastructure. Additionally, avoid sending emails from shared hosting environments, as they can negatively impact your sender reputation.

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Solution:

• Align your domain and email address: Make sure the domain in your "From" address (e.g., @yourdomain.com) matches the domain configured in your email authentication settings. Site Mailer includes a wizard to help you complete this process in minutes.
• Avoid shared hosting for email: Shared hosting environments often pool multiple users’ email activity together, which means your reputation could suffer if others on the same hosting send spam or poorly managed emails. Instead of relying on your website host for email sending, use a dedicated external Email Service Provider (ESP).

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3. Build Trust with Recipients

Only email recipients who explicitly opted in to receive messages from you. Gmail closely monitors spam complaints, and sending to unengaged or unsolicited users can hurt your domain reputation.

Solution:

• In Site Mailer, switch on the “Add list-unsubscribe headers” option. A list-unsubscribe header is a snippet added by Site Mailer that is recognized by many popular email providers, and adds an unsubscribe option to your email’s headers.
• Use clear opt-in forms and avoid pre-checked subscription boxes.
• Regularly clean your mailing list by removing inactive or unengaged subscribers, and maintain a suppression list.

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4. Avoid Sending Spikes and Monitor Logs

Avoid sudden spikes in email volume. Gmail flags accounts that increase sending volume without a history of consistent activity.

Solution:

• Start with a small sending volume and gradually increase it over time.
• Use Site Mailer’s logs to monitor bounce rates and delivery feedback.
• Regularly check Gmail Postmaster Tools for spam reports and domain reputation trends.

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5. Design Emails Transparently

Gmail prioritizes emails that are well-structured, transparent, and easy to understand. Misleading or poorly formatted emails are more likely to be marked as spam.

Solution:

• Validate emails against HTML standards and ensure they include a valid Message-ID.
• Avoid using hidden content or misleading headers (e.g., false “Re:” or “Fwd:” subject lines).
• Ensure all links are clear and accurately represent where they lead.

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6. Maintain Consistent Sending Practices

Gmail expects consistency in how emails are sent. Using inconsistent IPs or From: addresses for different campaigns can confuse spam filters.

Solution:

• Use separate IPs and “From:” addresses for different message types (e.g., notifications vs. promotions).
• Avoid mixing content types (e.g., promotional offers in transactional emails).
• Maintain uniform formatting and sender identity across all campaigns.

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7. Monitor and Fix Sending Issues Promptly

What’s Required: Gmail evaluates sender reputation based on engagement, authentication, and error rates. Failure to address issues can lead to long-term damage.

Solution:

• Use Gmail Postmaster Tools to monitor spam rates, authentication, and delivery errors.
• Monitor logs to make sure emails are sent correctly. For failed emails, Site Mailer includes the reason for the failure, making it easy to fix issues.
• Check your domain’s status with Google Safe Browsing to ensure it isn’t flagged as unsafe.

8. Use API instead of SMTP

Gmail requires all SMTP email transmissions to be encrypted via TLS (Transport Layer Security) to protect email content from interception during delivery.

• Solution: For improved security and ease of use, switch to an email-sending API instead of relying on SMTP with TLS. APIs inherently use secure HTTPS connections, simplifying compliance with Gmail’s encryption requirements and minimizing the risk of configuration errors.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Sender Reputation

By following these steps, you’ll not only comply with Gmail’s requirements but also build trust with your audience, ensuring your emails consistently reach their inboxes.

 

 

Google Strengthens Security with Enhanced 2FA for Android and iOS Users

By ChatGPT| [2/2/25]

Google has taken another major step in bolstering security for its users by enhancing its two-factor authentication (2FA) process. The latest update to Google Prompt, now rolling out via Google Play Services version 25.02.34, introduces an additional verification step, requiring users to authenticate with fingerprint, face unlock, or a PIN before confirming login attempts.

Why This Matters

Previously, users verifying their identity via Google Prompt simply needed to tap “Yes, it’s me” on their trusted device. However, in response to rising cybersecurity threats, Google has now implemented on-device authentication to prevent unauthorized access, even if an attacker gains control of a user’s phone.

How It Works

When a login attempt is detected, the user will receive a Google Prompt notification on their registered device. Instead of instantly approving the request, they must now:

1. Tap “Yes, it’s me.”
2. Use fingerprint, face unlock, or enter a PIN to confirm their identity.

This additional step makes it significantly harder for bad actors to exploit stolen devices or credentials.

Who Gets the Update?

• Android users: Enabled via Google Play Services 25.02.34
• iPhone users: Managed through the Google app or Gmail

The Bigger Picture

Google has been pushing for stronger account security, encouraging users to move away from traditional SMS-based 2FA, which is vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks. Instead, the company recommends Google Prompt, passkeys, or security keys as safer alternatives.

Security experts have welcomed this move, praising Google for taking an Apple-like approach by enforcing biometric verification to protect sensitive account activities.

What Users Should Do

• Update Google Play Services (Android) or Google app/Gmail (iOS) to ensure the latest security features are enabled.
• Enable Google Prompt in their account settings.
• Use biometric authentication for a faster, safer login experience.
• Monitor sign-in attempts and reject any suspicious prompts immediately.

With cyber threats constantly evolving, Google’s multi-layered security approach provides users with greater protection while maintaining a seamless authentication experience.

How to Set Up Google Prompt 2FA for Enhanced Security

Google Prompt is a secure and convenient way to verify login attempts, replacing traditional SMS-based codes with real-time authentication on your trusted devices. Follow these steps to set it up on Android or iPhone.

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Step 1: Enable 2-Step Verification (If Not Already Done)

1. Go to Google’s 2-Step Verification Page:
   • Open your browser and visit Google’s 2-Step Verification settings.
2. Sign in to Your Google Account.
3. Under “Signing in to Google”, select 2-Step Verification and click “Get Started.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable 2-Step Verification.

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Step 2: Turn on Google Prompt

Once 2-Step Verification is enabled, do the following:

On Android

1. Ensure your phone is signed in to your Google Account.
2. Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
3. Open Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account.
4. Navigate to Security > 2-Step Verification.
5. Scroll down to Google Prompt and select Add a phone.
6. Choose your device from the list and enable Google Prompt.

On iPhone

1. Ensure your Google app or Gmail is updated to the latest version.
2. Open the Google app or Gmail app.
3. Tap your profile picture in the top right.
4. Select Manage your Google Account.
5. Go to Security > 2-Step Verification.
6. Scroll down and enable Google Prompt.

---

Step 3: Use Google Prompt for Login Approvals

Now, whenever you try to sign in on a new device:

1. A Google Prompt notification will appear on your trusted phone.
2. Tap “Yes, it’s me.”
3. Verify with fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN (new security update).
4. You’re securely signed in!

---

Additional Tips for Maximum Security

✅ Use biometric authentication for faster access.
✅ Turn off SMS 2FA (once Google Prompt is set up) to avoid SIM-swapping risks.
✅ Enable Passkeys for even stronger security (found under Google’s security settings).
✅ Monitor login activity and reject any unfamiliar sign-in attempts immediately.

---

Done! 🎉 You’ve now secured your Google account with an extra layer of protection. Need help troubleshooting? Let me know!

 

Google Just Locked Down Android—Do This On Your Phone Now

forbes.com

 Zak Doffman

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Google’s Android lockdown is now in full flight, as the once footloose mobile OS becomes ever more like the more buttoned-down iPhone. Whether its clamping down on sideloading or older phones or poor-quality apps or stolen devices, narrowing the security and privacy gap to Apple seems to have become the primary focus.

And so it is with the latest reveal, spotted first by 9to5Google, with a major change to the Google Prompt that verifies “it’s you” when you log into your account on your phone. “Google Prompt is a pretty good 2-factor authentication (2FA) option for the vast majority of users, with Google now adding fingerprint or PIN authentication to the process. Over the past few days, we’ve started noticing an extra step after tapping ‘Yes, it’s me’ on the fullscreen ‘Are you trying to sign in’ Google Prompt.”

This security fronts your Google account, and backs up simple device security with something more robust when accessing your account itself or performing a sensitive task. The idea — as with other defenses such as theft protection — is that simple control over a device through a stolen PIN is not enough to do the most serious damage.

According to Android Authority, “any time more steps are added to a process, you can expect that process to take a little longer. Fortunately, something like scanning your finger or entering your PIN can be done pretty quickly. A few extra seconds is a fair trade for an additional layer of security.”

And while this is coming to your Android phone courtesy of Google Play Services version 25.02.34, iPhone users are not exempt. “Google Account users on iOS should start seeing the change as well,” Android Authority says. “Instead of Play Services, the Google app or Gmail is responsible for the prompt on iOS.”

Google “recommends Google prompts instead of text message (SMS) verification codes,” given that a signed-in, trusted device ecosystem with biometric security is much more secure than any form of messages 2FA combined with a username and password. It’s the same reason passkeys are set to become the norm.

The prompt method also can provide messages on other signed-in devices when a link attempt is made, enabling a much faster lockdown in the event of an unauthorized attempt. The latest security update should be welcomed by all.

Google Prompt 2FA requiring fingerprint, PIN authentication on Android

Abner Li

9to5google.com

---

Google Prompt is a pretty good 2-factor authentication (2FA) option for the vast majority of users, with Google now adding fingerprint or PIN authentication to the process.

Over the past few days, we’ve started noticing an extra step after tapping “Yes, it’s me” on the fullscreen “Are you trying to sign in” Google Prompt.

Google Play services throws up a standard (similar to what’s depicted below) “Use your screen lock” bottom sheet: google.com needs to verify it’s you. You continue to see Device, Near, and Time details in the background, while you can use fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN to proceed.

In the past, tapping ‘yes’ signs you in on your other device or asks to confirm a number that’s shown. 

This extra security doesn’t hurt and it’s pretty fast, but arguably most people just unlocked their phone to access the Google Prompt. (It’s a bit like the Google Wallet unlock verification introduced last year.) You of course have other 2FA (or 2-Step Verification in Google parlance) options like passkeys, security keys, or authenticator apps.

We’re seeing this 2FA Prompt fingerprint requirement with version 25.02.34 of Google Play services on Android. Play services powers all this on Android, while the Google app or Gmail on iOS is responsible for the Prompt.

Add 9to5Google to your Google News feed. 

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Sign in with Google prompts - Android

support.google.com

---

When you sign in to your Google Account, you can tap a notification on your phone to confirm it’s you.

You can use Google prompts to sign in:

• With your phone instead of a password
• In addition to your password when you turn on 2-Step Verification
• When you try to recover your account

Even if you haven’t turned either of these settings on, Google might also ask you to tap a notification to help confirm it’s you signing in.

Learn which devices get Google prompts

You’ll get Google prompts on any Android phone signed in to your Google Account.

How Google prompts help protect your account

We recommend Google prompts instead of text message (SMS) verification codes to help you:

• Avoid phone number-based account hacking. Hackers may try to steal verification codes to help them break into your account. Google prompts help protect against this method of account hacking by sending them more securely to only your signed in devices.
• Get more info about sign-in attempts. To help you find suspicious activity, Google prompts give you info about the device, location, and time of the sign-in attempt.
• Block suspicious activity. If you didn’t try to sign in to your account, tap No on the notification to secure your account.

Learn more about phishing attacks.

Use recommended devices & security features

If you need to sign in to a phone that isn’t yours, sign in from a private browser window. To sign out, close all private browser windows when you finish using the phone.

To help prevent use of your device by others, turn on your phone's screen lock.

Google's 2FA prompt gets an extra layer of security

Chandraveer Mathur

androidpolice.com

---

Applications

Summary

• Google introduces account protection feature requiring two-factor authentication.
• Google Prompt now has extra security with an on-device verification step.
• New security measures are part of Play Services to help prevent unauthorized account use.

Google is particular about ensuring it is you who performs actions related to your account, and the company's ever evolving security measures lay emphasis on this. Just last week, Google introduced a device protection feature that locks critical settings behind two-factor authentication when you're not in a designated safe zone. Now, we just spotted another user authentication feature from the company picking up an additional step for thorough verification.

When you sign in to your Google account on an unfamiliar device, like in the process of setting up a fresh Chrome install, or a new smart projector with Google TV, you'll see a prompt show up on a trusted device like your primary phone, seeking confirmation. This prompt asking if it's you performing the action is delivered by a simple service called Google Prompt. Usually, you can just tap Yes or No and be done with it, even from the notification shade.

However, it is easy to see how this step is practically useless if a bad actor commandeers multiple devices you own. 9to5Google just spotted Google Prompt now showing a bottom sheet after you tap Yes, it's me. This is the standard Play Services prompt that allows using the device lock methods active at the time, including fingerprint, face unlock, or a PIN.

Additional security isn't a bad thing

Doesn't take more than a second

Source: 9to5Google

Given the growing importance of passkeys, we are glad to see Google extending a similar concept of on-device user authentication to ensure accounts aren't misused. To you and me, it shouldn't take more than a few extra seconds to key in that PIN or scan a fingerprint. This workflow replaces the simpler one where you confirm a code shown on the device you're adding after tapping the Yes option.

HOME | Emhandyservices

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How To Remove Mold From Caulk - Frugally Blonde

How To Remove Mold From Caulk - Frugally Blonde

frugallyblonde.com

How To Remove Mold From Caulk

Julie

7–8 minutes

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Trying to clean moldy caulk? Check out these easy tips on how to remove mold from caulk. It works great to remove mold from shower caulk. If you have shower caulk mold check this out!

A few years ago we redid the tile in our master bathroom shower. At first, it looked great, but after some time the caulk has started to get some mold on it.

I didn't really feel like removing all the caulk so instead, I decided to go through and clean the moldy caulk.

It's a pretty easy process to remove mold from your shower caulk. It just takes a few things you probably already have around the house and about an hour of your time.

If you want to get rid of the mold check out this easy tip on how to remove mold from the caulk.

To remove the mold in the caulk in the shower you will need a few things listed below. You probably already have them at home.

Ingredients Needed:

• power brush or old toothbrush (I love this power brush for cleaning)
• disposable cup (or a cup you don't mind throwing away)
• baking soda
• bleach - (IF you don't feel comfortable using bleach I recommend this)

If you don't have a disposable cup you can also use a cup that you can throw out after you are done. You probably don't want to use a cup after the bleach mix has set in it.

Note: You also may want rubber gloves to wear on your hands and a face mask to help with smells depending on how bleach affects you.

You will also need about an hour to let the bleach mix set up on the mold.

If you don't want to make your own you can buy a gel version on amazon that has good reviews. Check it out here. Or you can get an easy spray-on version here. 

Mixing Up the Bleach Gel

Step 1: Mix about 1/2 cup of bleach with about a cup of baking soda in a disposable cup.

You may want to do just a little at a time for each. The amounts you will need will vary based on what kind of bleach you use.

Step 2: Stir until you get it to the consistency of toothpaste so it will stick to the moldy caulk.

Applying the Cleaner To Moldy Caulk

Step 3: Once you have it mixed to a thick paste then use the old toothbrush to apply it to the caulk that is moldy (You will probably want to spot test in on a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage the tile).

Make sure it is thick enough to fully coat the caulk.

Step 4: Set a timer for about 30 minutes and then just let it sit.

It smells really strong so you may want to turn on a vent in the bathroom or open a window to help with the fumes.

Step 5: After 30 minutes check on the bleach mixture and ensure it is still fully covering the caulk.

Step 6: Add some more bleach mixture to the caulk if needed. Then set a timer for about another 30 minutes.

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Removing the Bleach Mix

Step 7: Once the bleach mix has set over an hour then you can use the toothbrush to scrub the caulk for a minute or two.

Step 8: Then use warm water to wash away the bleach mixture.

Make sure you rinse all of the bleach mixture off of the caulk and fully wash it down the drain. You don't want to leave chemicals where you shower.

If you still see some mold on the caulk you can repeat the steps a second time to get rid of everything.

You can see how just one time of using this bleach mixture made a huge difference in my shower.

Preventing Black Mold & Mildew In the Shower

I get asked all the time what you can do to prevent the black mold or mildew from growing on the caulk.

One simple thing you can do is help prevent the moisture in the shower. When you finish in the shower leave the door or curtain open for a few minutes and run the bathroom fan.

This will help the moisture evaporate quickly to prevent mold.

Another easy tip is you can spray down the shower with a little bit of vinegar. This will help prevent mildew from building up on the shower caulk.

Unfortunately, vinegar doesn't work as well as bleach on black mold.

Another great way to keep the mold from growing on the shower caulk is by using a daily shower spray. You can see how to make your own here. This will help slow the mold growth.

With just these few easy steps on how to remove mold from caulk, you can get the moldy caulk looking like new again. Not only will the bleach mix remove mold spores but it also can remove some stains from caulk.

Want some other easy cleaning tips? Check out the easy no-scrub way to clean your shower doors. You can get your shower doors clean and shiny without a lot of elbow grease.

How To Remove Mold Stains On Caulk

Trying to clean moldy caulk? Check out these easy tips on how to remove mold from caulk. It works great to remove mold from shower caulk. If you have shower caulk mold check this out!

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 5 minutes

Keyword: mold from caulk, mold in the bathroom, mold stains on bathroom caulk, removing mold from bathroom caulk

Servings: 1 cleaning

Cost: $3

• 1 cup I recommend throwing out afterwards

• 1 toothbrush or scrub brush

• 1/2 cup bleach
• 1 cup baking soda

• Mix about 1/2 cup of bleach with about a cup of baking soda in a disposable cup.

  You may want to do just a little at a time for each. The amounts you will need will vary based on what kind of bleach you use.

• Stir until you get it to the consistency of toothpaste so it will stick to the moldy caulk.

• Once you have it mixed to a thick paste then use the old toothbrush to apply it to the caulk that is moldy (You will probably want to spot test in on a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage the tile).

• Make sure it is thick enough to fully coat the caulk.

• Set a timer for about 30 minutes and then just let it sit.

• After 30 minutes check on the bleach mixture and ensure it is still fully covering the caulk.

• Add some more bleach mixture to the caulk if needed. Then set a timer for about another 30 minutes.

• Once the bleach mix has set over an hour then you can use the toothbrush to scrub the caulk for a minute or two.

• Then use warm water to wash away the bleach mixture.

  Make sure you rinse all of the bleach mixture off of the caulk and fully wash it down the drain. You don't want to leave chemicals where you shower.

• Repeat if nessecary.

Always test in a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage your tile or grout. 

It smells really strong so you may want to turn on a vent in the bathroom or open a window to help with the fumes.

Want some other easy bathroom cleaning tips?

• Weekly Cleaning Schedule Free Printable
• How To Speed Clean A Bathroom In Minutes
• Genius Bathroom Cleaning Hacks

 

How To Remove Mold Stains On Caulk

Trying to clean moldy caulk? Check out these easy tips on how to remove mold from caulk. It works great to remove mold from shower caulk. If you have shower caulk mold check this out!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Keyword: mold from caulk, mold in the bathroom, mold stains on bathroom caulk, removing mold from bathroom caulk

Servings: 1 cleaning

Cost: $3

Equipment

• 1 cup I recommend throwing out afterwards
• 1 toothbrush or scrub brush

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bleach
• 1 cup baking soda

Instructions

• Mix about 1/2 cup of bleach with about a cup of baking soda in a disposable cup.

  You may want to do just a little at a time for each. The amounts you will need will vary based on what kind of bleach you use.
• Stir until you get it to the consistency of toothpaste so it will stick to the moldy caulk.
• Once you have it mixed to a thick paste then use the old toothbrush to apply it to the caulk that is moldy (You will probably want to spot test in on a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage the tile).
• Make sure it is thick enough to fully coat the caulk.
• Set a timer for about 30 minutes and then just let it sit.
• After 30 minutes check on the bleach mixture and ensure it is still fully covering the caulk.
• Add some more bleach mixture to the caulk if needed. Then set a timer for about another 30 minutes.
• Once the bleach mix has set over an hour then you can use the toothbrush to scrub the caulk for a minute or two.
• Then use warm water to wash away the bleach mixture.

  Make sure you rinse all of the bleach mixture off of the caulk and fully wash it down the drain. You don't want to leave chemicals where you shower.
• Repeat if nessecary.

Notes

Always test in a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage your tile or grout. 

It smells really strong so you may want to turn on a vent in the bathroom or open a window to help with the fumes.