The UCEPROTECT DNSBL Level 2 is an IP-based blocklist (or blacklist) that escalates listings from single IPs to entire network allocations when a provider's range shows a high concentration of spam activity.
UCEPROTECT DNSBL Level 2 is an IP-based blocklist that escalates listings from their Level 1 blacklist. While Level 1 lists individual IP addresses that have sent spam to their spam traps, Level 2 takes a wider approach. If a provider's network has too many IPs listed on Level 1, UCEPROTECT will list larger network ranges, and sometimes the entire provider's subnet, on the Level 2 blacklist.
The policy is designed to put pressure on hosting providers and internet service providers (ISPs) to take action against abusers on their network. The philosophy is that if providers are held accountable for the spam originating from their systems, they will be forced to implement preventative measures. According to UCEPROTECT, their blacklists (or blocklists) are rebuilt hourly based on data collected from a global network of spam traps.
The UCEPROTECT DNSBL Level 2 blacklist is operated by the UCEPROTECT-Network, a project run by anonymous individuals with the stated mission of stopping global email abuse. They describe themselves as a project where spammers blacklist themselves by sending email to their spam traps. The network's core database is maintained by a cluster of servers located in several countries. Membership to the network is free and automatic for anyone who uses their blocklist services to protect their mail servers.
According to UCEPROTECT, every IP listed on their blocklist will expire automatically and free of charge 7 days after the last abusive activity was detected. Before requesting any delisting, you must ensure that the issues causing the spam have been fully resolved.
UCEPROTECT offers an optional paid immediate removal, but this option is not always available. It is only offered if certain criteria are met. You can check your IP status and the available options on the UCEPROTECT removal page. Immediate removal is unavailable in the following circumstances:
The impact of being listed on the UCEPROTECT DNSBL Level 2 blacklist is generally considered low to moderate. Because this blocklist targets entire subnets rather than individual IPs, it is known for having a higher risk of false positives; it can block legitimate senders who happen to share a network with spammers. Due to this broader scope, many system administrators are cautious about using it and may prefer to use the more targeted Level 1 list. However, organizations that do use the Level 2 blacklist will reject all mail from any IP within the listed range, which can cause significant delivery problems with those specific receivers.
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