The Mailspike Blacklist (BL) is a composite IP blocklist that combines data from other Mailspike blacklists, enabling mail administrators to block messages from IP addresses with a poor reputation using a single DNS query.
The Mailspike Blacklist (BL) is an IP based blacklist that combines data from two of Mailspike's other reputation lists, z.mailspike.net and rep.mailspike.net (specifically IPs rated between L3 and L5). This consolidation allows mail server administrators to use a single DNS query to check if an incoming IP address has a poor reputation and should be blocked.
When an IP address is found on this blocklist, the DNS query returns a specific A record, either 127.0.0.2 or a corresponding record from rep.mailspike.net. Mailspike's recommended action for systems using this blacklist is to block the connection entirely at the mail server level (MTA). This prevents the email from ever reaching the recipient's inbox.
Common reasons for listing
Use of the Mailspike reputation service is free for low volume, non-commercial sites that send fewer than 100,000 messages and make fewer than 100,000 DNS queries per day.
The Mailspike Blacklist (BL) is operated by Mailspike Technologies, a company with deep roots in email cybersecurity. The technology originated within Anubisnetworks, a company founded in Portugal in 2006 to create a cloud based email security gateway for telecommunication companies.
Anubisnetworks was acquired by Bitsight Technologies in 2014. In 2019, the email security technologies were spun out by employees into the new, independent company, Mailspike Technologies, Lda. Today, the company continues to focus on providing innovative email security solutions.
Before requesting removal from any blacklist (or blocklist), it is critical to identify and fix the root cause of the listing. If you request delisting without solving the underlying problem, your IP address will almost certainly be listed again.
Mailspike provides a self service removal process on its website. You can use their lookup tool to check your IP's status and request to delist an observed IP. Once a request is submitted, the IP is typically delisted automatically within 6 to 36 hours.
Please note that in cases where a listing is due to a known spam botnet, delisting will only occur after Mailspike's systems collect evidence that the malware threat has been fully mitigated on the affected IP address. Mailspike is a free, community-driven service, so support resources are limited.
The impact of being on the Mailspike Blacklist (BL) is medium. While not as universally adopted as some of the largest blocklists in the industry, it is used by a significant number of organizations, particularly in European and African markets where the company has a strong presence. A listing on this blacklist can cause notable email delivery failures and should be addressed promptly to restore your sending reputation and ensure your emails reach their intended recipients.
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