Summary
Spamhaus's decision on whether to list a subdomain or an entire domain on the DBL hinges on several factors, including the severity and scope of spam activity, whether multiple subdomains are involved, the type of abuse (e.g., compromised forms vs. dedicated spam sites), the reputation of the domain and subdomain, the responsiveness of the domain owner to addressing the issue, the volume of spam originating from the subdomain, association with unethical practices, historical data, and adherence to delisting policies. A key consideration is Spamhaus's preference to list only the subdomain to avoid blocking legitimate services or entire ESPs. They also consider direct reports of spam to individuals and that complaint rates don't correlate with listing.
Key findings
- Severity and Scope: The severity and pervasiveness of the spam activity significantly influences the listing decision.
- Multiple Subdomains: Spam originating from multiple subdomains may lead to the entire domain being listed.
- Type of Abuse: Different types of abuse (compromised forms vs. dedicated spam sites) result in different listing actions.
- Reputation Matters: Domain and subdomain reputations play a crucial role in the listing determination.
- Owner Responsiveness: Prompt and effective response from the domain owner increases the likelihood of only the subdomain being listed.
- Spam Volume: High volumes of spam from a subdomain increase the chances of the entire domain being listed.
- Unethical Practices: Association with unethical or illegal affiliate marketing increases the risk of the entire domain being listed.
- Historical Data: Past spam-related incidents can make Spamhaus more likely to list the entire domain.
- Delisting Matters: Adhering to delisting requirements can reduce the scope of the listing.
- ESP Considerations: Spamhaus prefers to list subdomains in ESP environments to avoid blocking legitimate users.
- Individual Reports: Direct reports of spamming individuals may lead to listing.
- Complaint Rates: Complaint rates don't correlate with Spamhaus listings.
Key considerations
- Monitor Spam: Continuously monitor spam activity across the entire domain and its subdomains.
- Address Abuse: Implement measures to prevent and quickly address any potential abuse situations.
- Maintain Rep: Proactively maintain a positive reputation for both the domain and its subdomains.
- Respond Quickly: Establish a clear plan to respond quickly and effectively to any spam-related complaints or incidents.
- Understand Policies: Familiarize yourself with Spamhaus' policies and delisting procedures to expedite resolution if necessary.
- Vet Affiliates: Carefully vet affiliates and regularly monitor their practices to ensure compliance.
- Secure Forms: Secure web forms to prevent them from being used for spamming.
- Be Aware of Direct Spam Reports: Even low complaint rate with spamming real people may lead to a Spamhaus listing.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
Spamhaus' decision to list a subdomain or an entire domain on the DBL depends on several factors. These include whether the domain is compromised but legitimate (in which case only the subdomain is listed), the responsiveness of the domain owner to addressing spam issues, the reputation of the domain (newer domains are more likely to be fully listed), whether the subdomain has an independent reputation, the type of spam being sent, association with unethical practices, and the volume of spam originating from the subdomain. Listing only the subdomain allows legitimate services using the main domain to continue operating.
Key opinions
- Compromised vs. Legit: If the domain is compromised but generally legitimate, only the offending subdomain is likely to be listed.
- Owner Responsiveness: Prompt investigation and resolution by the domain owner increase the likelihood of only the subdomain being listed.
- Domain Reputation: Newer domains or those with poor reputations are more likely to have the entire domain listed.
- Subdomain Reputation: If a subdomain has a poor sending history, it's more likely to be listed regardless of the main domain's reputation.
- Spam Type: Harmful spam (e.g., phishing) increases the chance of the entire domain being listed as a preventative measure.
- Unethical Practices: Association with unethical affiliate marketing may lead to the entire domain being listed.
- Spam Volume: High spam volume from a subdomain increases the likelihood of the entire domain being listed.
Key considerations
- Monitor Subdomain Reputation: Regularly monitor subdomains for any spam-like activity that could negatively impact overall domain reputation.
- Respond Quickly to Issues: Establish a process to promptly address and resolve any spam-related complaints or issues.
- Maintain Domain Reputation: Implement best practices to maintain a positive sending reputation, especially for new domains.
- Scrutinize Affiliate Practices: Carefully vet and monitor affiliate marketing practices to ensure they comply with ethical guidelines.
- Monitor Sending Volume: Keep an eye on sending volumes from subdomains to ensure they do not spike unexpectedly, which could indicate a compromise.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Marketing Tips Blog responds Spamhaus will consider the type of spam being sent. If the spam is particularly harmful (e.g., phishing, malware distribution), the entire domain is more likely to be listed as a preventative measure, regardless of whether only a subdomain is directly involved.
6 Nov 2024 - Email Marketing Tips Blog
Marketer view
Email marketer from Deliverability.com shares that the volume of spam originating from a subdomain is a factor. A high volume of spam from a single subdomain is more likely to trigger a listing of the entire domain, especially if it suggests a systemic issue or compromise.
17 Jan 2022 - Deliverability.com
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Spamhaus's decision to list a subdomain or a whole domain on the DBL depends on several factors, including whether spam activity originates from multiple subdomains or a single one. They also consider the type of abuse, such as compromised web forms versus entire domains set up for spamming or phishing. Spamhaus aims to selectively list subdomains to avoid blocking entire ESPs and legitimate services when possible. Furthermore, Spamhaus responds to direct reports of spamming individuals and listings are not correlated to complaint rates.
Key opinions
- Subdomain vs. Domain Listing: Spamhaus may list the entire domain if they've seen spam originating from multiple subdomains, or if the domain is specifically set up for spamming or phishing.
- ESP Considerations: Listing only subdomains is preferred for large ESPs to avoid blocking legitimate services and users.
- Type of Abuse Matters: The type of abuse influences the listing decision; a compromised web form is more likely to result in a subdomain listing.
- Direct Spam Reports: Spamhaus responds to direct spam reports, even from individuals.
- Complaint Rate Correlation: Complaint rates don't necessarily correlate with Spamhaus listings.
Key considerations
- Monitor Subdomain Activity: Vigilantly monitor subdomains to identify and address any spam-like activity promptly.
- Implement Security Measures: Implement robust security measures to prevent subdomains from being compromised and used for spamming.
- Prioritize ESP Relationships: ESPs should prioritize identifying and addressing malicious users to prevent subdomain listings affecting the entire service.
- Be Aware of Direct Spam Reports: Even low complaint rate with spamming real people may lead to a Spamhaus listing.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains you do not get listed on Spamhaus for a single spam trap, however you *may* (in some circumstances) get listed on Spamhaus for spamming a single, real person. Spamhaus are actual people and they have email addresses. They also state that complaints don’t correlate with spamhaus listings and they've had clients with horrifically high complaint rates and no listings and low complaint rates with listings.
29 Oct 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that Spamhaus's listing criteria depends on the type of abuse. If the abuse is specific to a subdomain, like a compromised web form sending spam, only the subdomain is likely to be listed. However, if the entire domain is set up for the purpose of sending spam or hosting phishing sites, the whole domain will be listed.
15 Feb 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Spamhaus' decision to list a subdomain or a whole domain on the DBL is influenced by several factors including the severity and scope of the spam activity, the domain's reputation, historical data, and delisting policies. If spam activity is isolated to a subdomain, that subdomain is more likely to be listed. However, if the entire domain is dedicated to spam or has a poor reputation, the entire domain might be listed. Historical spam-related incidents also increase the likelihood of listing the entire domain. Adherence to Spamhaus’ delisting requirements can result in a listing being reduced to just the offending subdomains.
Key findings
- Severity and Scope: The severity and pervasiveness of the spam activity are key determinants in the listing decision.
- Domain Reputation: Domains with strong, positive reputations are more likely to have only the offending subdomain listed.
- Historical Data: A history of spam-related incidents increases the likelihood of the entire domain being listed.
- Delisting Policies: Prompt action and adherence to delisting requirements can reduce the listing scope.
Key considerations
- Monitor Spam Activity: Continuously monitor both the domain and its subdomains for any signs of spam activity.
- Maintain Domain Reputation: Take proactive steps to maintain a positive domain reputation.
- Address Past Incidents: Be prepared to address any historical spam-related incidents and demonstrate efforts to prevent future occurrences.
- Understand Delisting: Familiarize yourself with Spamhaus' delisting policies and procedures to expedite the delisting process if necessary.
Technical article
Documentation from Talosintelligence.com shares that delisting policies will also come into play. Even if a whole domain is initially listed, prompt action and adherence to Spamhaus’ delisting requirements can lead to the listing being reduced to just the offending subdomains.
4 Apr 2022 - Talosintelligence.com
Technical article
Documentation from URIBL.com shares the listing of a subdomain or domain on a DNSBL like Spamhaus’ DBL depends on several factors, including the severity and pervasiveness of the spam activity. A single instance of spam might not trigger a listing, but repeated offenses or widespread spam campaigns originating from a particular domain or subdomain will likely result in a listing.
10 Jul 2022 - URIBL.com
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