Summary
A variety of tools and services exist for monitoring IP blacklisting and RBLs. These range from free, easily accessible online checkers like MXToolbox, WhatIsMyIPAddress, and DNSBL lookup, to commercial options like HetrixTools, 250ok/Everest, Spamhaus, Proofpoint, Talos Intelligence and dedicated blacklist monitoring services. Some also suggest building custom solutions using APIs such as centralops.net. Key considerations include the necessity to monitor domain RBLs, filter alerts for relevant RBLs, balance cost with needed features, and consider ease of use. There are differing opinions on RBL effectiveness with some relying on it too heavily to solve spam issues.
Key findings
- Diverse Toolkit: Numerous tools are available, spanning from free online options to commercial, dedicated services.
- MXToolbox Widely Recommended: MXToolbox is frequently mentioned as a valuable tool.
- HetrixTools Praised for Simplicity: HetrixTools is favored for its ease of use, configurability, and affordability.
- 250ok/Everest Powerful but Pricey: 250ok/Everest is noted for comprehensive features but higher cost.
- Custom Solutions a Feasible Option: Developing custom solutions through APIs is a viable route for some users.
- RBL Effectiveness Debated: Opinions vary on RBL effectiveness, with concerns raised about over-reliance.
Key considerations
- Domain RBL Monitoring Required: Ensure monitoring covers both IP and domain RBLs.
- Alert Filtering is Key: Implement alert filtering to focus on relevant RBLs and avoid alert fatigue.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Carefully weigh cost against necessary features.
- Ease of Use is Important: Consider tool usability, especially for managing numerous IPs.
- RBL Expectations: Understand RBL limitations and avoid over-reliance for spam filtering.
What email marketers say
12 marketer opinions
Several tools and services are available for monitoring IP blacklisting and RBLs. These range from free online tools like MXToolbox, WhatIsMyIPAddress, and DNSBL lookup to commercial services like HetrixTools, 250ok/Everest, and Spamhaus. Considerations include the ability to monitor domain RBLs, receive alerts for relevant RBLs, ease of configuration, cost-effectiveness, and the volume of IPs being monitored. Some users suggest building custom solutions using APIs like centralops.net, while others prefer dedicated monitoring services.
Key opinions
- Variety of Tools: A wide range of tools exists, from free online checkers to comprehensive commercial services.
- HetrixTools Popular: HetrixTools is highlighted for its simplicity, configurability, and cost-effectiveness.
- 250ok/Everest Powerful: 250ok/Everest is noted for its ease of configuration and suitability for monitoring a high number of IPs, but it comes at a higher price.
- Custom Solutions Possible: Building a custom monitoring solution using APIs is a viable option for some users.
Key considerations
- Domain RBL Monitoring: Ensure the tool monitors domain RBLs in addition to IP RBLs.
- Alert Filtering: Configure alerts to focus on the most relevant RBLs to avoid alert fatigue.
- Cost vs. Features: Balance cost considerations with the features and capabilities needed for effective monitoring.
- Ease of Use: Consider the ease of configuration and use, especially if managing a large number of IPs.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that price is the issue with 250ok/Everest when compared to Hetrix, where you can copy/paste large lists of IPs and/or domains in CIDR format for quick entry.
26 Sep 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that they have been using HetrixTools for several years and loves it due to being simple, straightforward, and highly configurable.
7 Apr 2025 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts recommend tools like MXToolbox and dedicated blacklist monitoring services for identifying and addressing IP blacklisting issues. It's noted that some use RBLs expecting them to automatically filter out all spam and allow only legitimate email, highlighting the potential for misuse or over-reliance on these lists.
Key opinions
- MXToolbox is Valuable: MXToolbox and similar tools are recommended for identifying and addressing blacklisting issues.
- RBL Usage Expectations: Some people use RBLs with the unrealistic expectation that they will perfectly filter spam.
Key considerations
- Tool Selection: Choosing appropriate tools to monitor blacklists.
- RBL Limitations: Understanding the limitations of RBLs and avoiding over-reliance on them for spam filtering.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise answers that some people choose to use RBLs to block email, because they think the RBL will somehow identify all the spam and let all the good email through.
21 May 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from SpamResource explains that tools such as MXToolbox, and dedicated blacklist monitoring services are valuable for identifying and addressing blacklisting issues.
8 May 2022 - SpamResource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Various threat intelligence and monitoring services like Spamhaus, Proofpoint, HetrixTools, and Talos Intelligence offer tools and services to monitor IP blacklisting and reputation. These services provide real-time threat intelligence, IP reputation monitoring, and alerts to help identify and mitigate risks associated with blacklisted IPs and domains.
Key findings
- Spamhaus Threat Intelligence: Spamhaus provides real-time threat intelligence and tools for checking IP blocklists.
- Proofpoint Reputation Monitoring: Proofpoint offers comprehensive threat intelligence services including IP reputation monitoring.
- HetrixTools Blacklist Monitoring: HetrixTools provides blacklist monitoring services with alerts for IP and domain listings.
- Talos Intelligence Reputation Services: Talos Intelligence offers reputation monitoring services for identifying and addressing blacklisting issues.
Key considerations
- Real-Time Intelligence: Consider services providing real-time threat intelligence for proactive monitoring.
- Comprehensive Services: Evaluate the comprehensiveness of services including IP and domain reputation monitoring.
- Alerting Capabilities: Ensure the service offers alerts for timely responses to blacklisting events.
- Integrated Solutions: Assess how well the service integrates with existing security infrastructure.
Technical article
Documentation from HetrixTools explains that they offer blacklist monitoring services that allow users to monitor their IPs and domains against multiple RBLs and receive alerts when listed.
22 Jul 2023 - HetrixTools
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that Spamhaus provides real-time threat intelligence to protect networks and offers tools to check if an IP address is listed on their blocklists.
17 Nov 2021 - Spamhaus
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How do I deal with a Suomispam blacklist listing affecting my email deliverability?
How effective are RBLs and blocklists for preventing spam in 2022?
