DNS
Cloudflare DNS for small business
When Cloudflare helps with speed and security, what the orange cloud means, and pitfalls for email and Microsoft 365.
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Why teams choose Cloudflare
Cloudflare offers authoritative DNS, DDoS protection, a CDN, and free SSL at the edge for many setups. Melbourne agencies often put marketing sites behind Cloudflare while keeping Microsoft 365 mail on the same domain.
Proxied vs DNS only
Orange-cloud (proxied) records hide your origin IP and route HTTP traffic through Cloudflare — great for websites. Grey-cloud (DNS only) passes traffic direct — use for mail-related hostnames and anything that breaks behind proxy.
Email and Microsoft 365
Do not orange-cloud MX or autodiscover records. Follow Microsoft’s guidance for optional CNAMEs and use correct SSL mode (often Full strict with a valid origin cert). Mis-set SSL modes cause redirect loops or certificate errors users blame on “the internet.”
Operational tips
Document who owns the Cloudflare account, enable 2FA, and restrict admin roles. Review firewall rules after launch — overly aggressive bot fight modes can block legitimate form posts and API webhooks.
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