The SpamRATS RATS Spam Blacklist is an IP-based blocklist that lists IP addresses observed sending high volumes of spam from sources like compromised servers or hosts specifically configured for spamming.
The SpamRATS RATS Spam Blacklist is an IP-based real-time blocklist (blacklist) that lists IP addresses observed sending high volumes of spam. According to SpamRATS, the list is a collection of IPs from compromised servers, hacked hosts, and mail servers specifically set up to send unsolicited email. This type of traffic can represent a significant portion of the unwanted overhead that mail servers face.
This particular blacklist has a policy of only adding an IP address after a significant amount of spam-like activity has been reported or seen by their systems. This approach is designed to maintain an ultra-low rate of false positives. Because of its targeted nature, SpamRATS recommends that system administrators use this list as part of their anti-spam filtering rules to protect their infrastructure.
The blacklist is operated by SpamRATS, a provider of IP reputation data and Real-Time Blackhole list (RBL) services. With a history of collecting threat data for over 15 years, the organization positions itself as a reliable source of threat intelligence for network and email administrators. SpamRATS maintains several different IP reputation blocklists, each tailored to target specific types of threats.
SpamRATS provides a self-service removal process. However, before you request delisting, you must fix the underlying issue that caused the listing. The primary requirement is to correct your server's reverse DNS (rDNS) to align with industry best practices. After making DNS changes, you must wait for the changes to fully propagate across the internet before attempting removal.
Once you have addressed the cause of the listing:
The impact of being on the SpamRATS RATS Spam Blacklist is generally considered low. Major mailbox providers like Gmail and Microsoft Outlook do not typically use this blocklist as a primary factor in their filtering decisions. However, it is used by various smaller internet service providers, companies, and individual mail server administrators.
Even a low-impact blacklist can cause noticeable email delivery problems. If your IP is listed, you may see an increase in bounced emails from recipients whose mail systems subscribe to this specific blacklist (or blocklist). It is always best practice to investigate any listing and request removal to ensure maximum email deliverability.
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