Summary
To fix a Spamhaus CBL listing while using multiple ESPs and Bluehost, the key is to address the underlying cause rather than moving to new services. This involves identifying and rectifying the issue (e.g., compromised systems, spam complaints), consolidating email sending to a single ESP for better control, and ensuring strict adherence to email best practices. Proper authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial, as is maintaining a clean email list with explicit consent and targeted segmentation. Additionally, continuous monitoring of outbound traffic, bounce rates, and subscriber engagement, along with thorough email testing, are essential for preventing future issues.
Key findings
- Address Root Cause: Identify and fix the root cause of the Spamhaus CBL listing (e.g., compromised systems, spam complaints, poor list hygiene).
- Consolidate ESPs: Consolidating down to a single ESP is recommended for simplified management, better control, and consistent practices.
- Implement Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to verify email authenticity and prevent domain spoofing.
- Maintain List Hygiene: Ensure proper list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers and managing bounces.
- Proactive Monitoring: Continuously monitor outbound traffic, bounce rates, and subscriber engagement for potential issues or anomalies.
Key considerations
- IT Collaboration: Involve the IT team to properly configure the firewall, monitor outbound traffic, and secure Bluehost accounts.
- Understanding Best Practices: Ensure the client understands and adheres to email marketing best practices to prevent future listings.
- Email Testing: Test email campaigns before sending to identify and fix deliverability issues or spam triggers.
- Gradual Warm-Up: If using new IP addresses, warm them up gradually to establish a positive sending reputation.
- Account Security: Implement strong authentication measures (like 2FA) and conduct regular audits of user accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
To address a Spamhaus CBL listing when using multiple ESPs and Bluehost, the consensus is to first identify and rectify the root cause of the listing. This often involves issues like compromised accounts, poor list hygiene, or problematic sending practices. It's crucial to consolidate email sending to a single ESP and ensure proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is in place. Continuous monitoring of outbound traffic, bounce rates, and engagement metrics is essential for maintaining a healthy sender reputation. Before sending campaigns, thoroughly test emails for deliverability and spam triggers. It is best to fix the existing issues and request de-listing.
Key opinions
- Root Cause Identification: Pinpoint the underlying issue leading to the Spamhaus listing, such as compromised accounts or spam complaints.
- Consolidate ESPs: Reduce complexity and improve control by sending from a single Email Service Provider.
- Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication protocols to verify email legitimacy.
- Proactive Monitoring: Continuously monitor outbound traffic, bounce rates, and subscriber engagement for potential issues.
- Fix existing issues: Moving to a new ESP without fixing existing issues is not going to address the listing.
Key considerations
- IT Coordination: Engage with IT to ensure proper firewall configuration and server security.
- List Hygiene: Maintain a clean email list by removing inactive subscribers and managing bounces.
- Permission Practices: Obtain explicit consent from subscribers and segment your audience for relevant content.
- Content Testing: Use email testing tools to identify and correct any deliverability issues or spam triggers.
- Warming up IP addresses: If changing IP addresses, make sure to gradually warm it up.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that it is the client's IT responsibility for configuring the firewall, but coordination is necessary to ensure the work is done. Suggests checking if Bluehost is managing the VPS and if they know the drill.
5 Mar 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus shares that before sending any campaigns, use email testing tools to check for deliverability issues, rendering problems, and spam triggers. Correct any identified issues before deployment.
5 Jan 2022 - Litmus
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
To address a Spamhaus CBL listing, experts recommend focusing on security measures and monitoring. It is crucial to monitor outbound traffic for any anomalies indicative of a compromised system and actively seek out open relays or proxies that could be exploited for spam. Additionally, implementing robust authentication measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) and regularly auditing user accounts can prevent unauthorized access and limit potential spam from compromised accounts.
Key opinions
- Outbound Traffic Monitoring: Monitor outbound traffic for unusual patterns to detect compromised systems.
- Open Relay Identification: Use tools to identify and secure open relays or proxies to prevent spam exploitation.
- Strong Authentication: Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect user accounts.
- Account Auditing: Regularly audit user accounts to prevent unauthorized access and spam activity.
Key considerations
- System Security: Ensure all systems are patched and secured against vulnerabilities.
- User Education: Educate users on best practices for password security and avoiding phishing attacks.
- Access Control: Limit sending permissions to authorized users only.
Expert view
Expert from Wordtothewise.com shares that it is important to implement strong authentication measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), and regularly audit user accounts to prevent unauthorized access and potential spam activity originating from compromised accounts. They also share you should limit sending permissions.
22 May 2023 - Wordtothewise.com
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com explains to monitor outbound traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate a compromised system. Also use tools to identify open relays or proxies that can be exploited for spamming.
20 Apr 2022 - Spamresource.com
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
To resolve a Spamhaus CBL listing, documentation emphasizes addressing the root cause, often related to compromised systems or spam activity. Review the CBL listing details for specifics. If using Bluehost, and a compromise is suspected, immediately change passwords, scan for malware, and review account activity. To prevent future issues, implement DMARC, SPF, and DKIM to authenticate your emails and prevent spoofing.
Key findings
- Address Root Cause: Identify and fix the cause of the CBL listing (e.g., compromised system, spam activity).
- Secure Bluehost Account: If using Bluehost, address any potential compromises by changing passwords and scanning for malware.
- Implement DMARC: Use DMARC to protect against email spoofing.
- Configure SPF: Create SPF records to authorize sending sources, including ESPs and Bluehost servers.
- Enable DKIM: Use DKIM to add a digital signature to emails, verifying their integrity.
Key considerations
- CBL Listing Details: Review the CBL listing details for specific reasons and remediation steps.
- Contact Bluehost Support: Contact Bluehost support for assistance with account security.
- DMARC Policy Configuration: Carefully configure your DMARC policy to monitor and control email authentication results.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that implementing DMARC helps protect your domain from email spoofing. Set up SPF and DKIM, then configure a DMARC policy to monitor and control email authentication results.
12 Mar 2023 - DMARC.org
Technical article
Documentation from RFC explains that SPF records authorize which mail servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain. Create an SPF record listing all legitimate sending sources, including ESPs and Bluehost servers.
8 May 2025 - RFC
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